The Obidient Movement has announced plans to hold a nationwide rally on July 19, 2025, to mark the 64th birthday of former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The rally is being organised independently by supporters under the movement, according to a joint statement signed by National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Director of Mobilisation Morris Monye, and Director of Strategic Communications Nana Kazaure.

“This is more than a birthday celebration; it is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to good governance, justice, and accountability in Nigeria,” the statement read.

To support the initiative, the group has opened four dedicated bank accounts for voluntary donations, jointly managed by Serah Ibrahim, Ezeokoli Blessing (also known as Jack), and John Alor.

The funds are intended to cover logistics, media engagement, volunteer kits, and mobilisation across various states.

A planning committee has also been constituted to coordinate activities nationwide, and the organisers assured that financial updates would be shared regularly to ensure transparency.

However, the fundraising effort has sparked debate online, with critics accusing the group of using Obi’s birthday as a pretext for campaign funding ahead of the 2027 elections.

On social media, several users expressed concern about the timing and optics of the appeal, especially amid ongoing economic hardship in the country. One user, @Enwagboso, wrote, “Peter Obi should get a hall and celebrate his birthday. He is wealthy. He is frugal but secretly wants birthday support contributions to double as an indirect campaign of his desperation to be president.”

Another critic, pharmacist Sadiq Maunde, described the move as a betrayal of the movement’s values, stating, “If you don’t see anything wrong in the Obidient Movement soliciting funds from struggling Nigerians to organise a birthday rally, I’m not sorry, but everything is wrong with you.”

Other users urged the group to focus on core political reforms rather than public events. “PO’s birthday should be low-key,” wrote Ejiro Praise. “When are we going to talk about electoral reform?”

Despite the backlash, several supporters defended the initiative, saying contributions were strictly voluntary, adding that the funds would go toward event materials like t-shirts and flyers to show solidarity with Obi’s ideals.

Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, remains a central figure among Nigerian youths and first-time voters who view him as a symbol of reform. But the movement’s latest fundraising drive has drawn questions about how grassroots support should be mobilised, and where the line lies between celebration and political messaging.