The Obidient Movement on Wednesday criticised former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, over his recent comments questioning the eligibility of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting the former Anambra State governor remains undeterred.
The group’s position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko.
Tanko said Obi would not be distracted by what he described as attempts to “rewrite history,” stressing that all legal issues surrounding his candidacy had been conclusively resolved by the courts.
“As a movement built on truth, justice, and the rule of law, we must set the record straight and not allow this narrative to mislead the public,” he said.
He maintained that the Supreme Court had settled all matters relating to Obi’s candidacy and Labour Party membership, noting that he was never disqualified on such grounds.
Tanko also argued that party membership remains an internal affair, adding that the Labour Party validly admitted Obi, granted him a waiver, and submitted his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“No external body or individual has the locus standi to determine who a political party registers as its member,” he said.
The former Obi campaign spokesman questioned the timing of the renewed criticisms, noting that the elections and related legal processes had long been concluded.
“It is curious that these comments are being made now, long after the elections and judicial processes have been exhausted. We must ask: what is the motive behind revisiting a settled matter?” he said.
He urged that attention should instead be focused on addressing systemic challenges within the judiciary, including concerns about competence and standards earlier raised by Salami himself.
“Rather than revisiting Obi’s candidacy, efforts should be directed at reforming the judiciary to ensure justice is effectively delivered to Nigerians,” Tanko added.
He also faulted Salami’s remarks, insisting that Obi did not participate in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries and accusing the retired jurist of misrepresenting facts.
The Obidient Movement further highlighted Obi’s record in public office, particularly his tenure as governor of Anambra State, describing him as a credible leader with no record of criminal allegations.
“Obi remains a symbol of hope for a New Nigeria. His 2023 candidacy was valid, legitimate, and supported by millions of Nigerians,” Tanko said.
“We will not be distracted by retrospective opinions that hold no legal weight. Our focus remains on building a nation driven by competence, character, and capacity.”
The reaction follows comments by Justice Salami, who had argued that Obi should not have been allowed to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.
The retired jurist, who spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a visit by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, also expressed concern over what he described as declining standards within the judiciary.
He attributed flawed judgments to the “inadequacy and incompetence” of some judges and warned that the trend could undermine the quality of justice delivery in Nigeria.
