By Our Reporter
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has stirred controversy with remarks suggesting that supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi—popularly known as Obidients—could jeopardise his chances in the 2027 general elections.
In a series of posts on X on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa said Obi bears responsibility for the conduct of his followers, warning that their actions may ultimately work against him if not addressed.
She wrote, “@PeterObi has actually raised monsters. By God’s grace @officialABAT will win the 2027 elections. When it’s the turn of the South-East, and who knows, if the lot falls on him, I hope he knows that these Obidients will ironically be his downfall. He needs to call them to order.”
Doubling down on her position, the NiDCOM boss reiterated that unchecked behaviour by Obi’s supporters could harm his political future.
“They will eventually be Peter Obi’s downfall if he does not call them to order,” she added while responding to another user.
Dabiri-Erewa also defended her decision to engage critics online, maintaining that her status as a public official does not strip her of the right to express personal opinions.
“This is my personal account… So because I’m a public official, I should keep quiet to the ranting of Peter Obi’s toxic Obidients?” she said.
Her comments come amid backlash from Obi’s supporters following an earlier post in which she shared her experience meeting Nigerian professionals in Silicon Valley, California, including a ride in a driverless car facilitated by entrepreneur Kunle Adeyemo.
“You’re Not God,” Obidients Fire Back
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement has taken a swipe at Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, over her comments predicting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Dabiri-Erewa, in a series of posts on X on Sunday, criticised supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, describing them as “monsters.”
She also expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure victory in the next general election.
Responding, the Obidient Movement, through its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed her remarks as9 misguided and uninformed.
Tanko said the movement comprises responsible Nigerians committed to good governance and national development, insisting it is driven by citizens frustrated with the country’s current state.
He added that name-calling would not weaken the group but rather strengthen its resolve to demand accountability.
“Calling us names cannot deter us; it will only embolden us to push harder for good governance,” he said.
On Dabiri-Erewa’s prediction of Tinubu’s re-election, Tanko stressed that only Nigerians have the power to decide the outcome of the 2027 polls.
“She is not God and should not act like one. The decision rests with Nigerians who are yearning for better leadership. We are not against Tinubu, but we insist on good governance. If that cannot be delivered, then the space should be given to someone more capable,” he stated.
