Emmanuel Ezeh: El-Rufai’s Travails Highlight Obidient Manifesto for a New Nigeria

Sunday Ehigiator

Leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has condemned verbal attacks on former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, describing them as a distraction from the urgent task of building a new Nigeria.

El-Rufai recently visited Owerri, Imo State, where he addressed participants at the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture at Maria Assumpta Catholic Church. Following his call on South Easterners to participate actively in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, some individuals; allegedly sponsored by politicians; branded him an “Igbo hater.”

The protest drew criticism from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, whose Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, described the demonstrators as “hired, placard-carrying thugs” who chanted slogans against both El-Rufai and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Dr Ezeh expressed dismay at what he called a “sham protest,” linking it to desperate politicians in the ongoing coalition talks within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, some actors were unsettled by El-Rufai’s declaration that the ADC should support a Southerner for president to complete the remaining four years of the current administration.

“The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and political choice,” Ezeh said. “But South East politicians in the coalition who are working for a northern presidential aspirant should be guided by equity, fairness, and inclusivity. Power grabbing for its own sake is no longer acceptable.”

Ezeh, who is also a prominent entrepreneur, argued that El-Rufai’s message aligns with the ideals of the Obidient Movement; citizen participation, equity, and the rule of law.

 “Mallam El-Rufai should be appreciated for his forthrightness, not attacked for his past membership of the APC,” he stated. “He has come to acknowledge that Nigeria belongs to every citizen. His call for active voter registration echoes our own mobilisation efforts against apathy and voter theft.”

Ezeh stressed that the 2027 elections would be decisive, framing them as “a final battle between the forces of light and the forces of darkness.”

 “We need courage, sensitisation, and continuous consultation. We must shed lethargy, defend our rights, and remain confident that good will triumph over evil,” he said.

Ezeh warned those targeting El-Rufai to desist, insisting that Peter Obi remains the rallying point for a new Nigeria across any political platform.

 “If the coalition of opposition political forces against retrogression and prebendalism is to succeed in 2027, all men and women of goodwill must support Mr. Peter Obi, who embodies ethical, competent, and purposeful leadership,” he declared.