NEWS
If ‘Obidients’ get power many heads ‘ll roll – Fani-Kayode
By Nwafor Sunday
Former minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has cautioned his political party members to embrace the ‘Obidients’, in order to finding lasting solutions to their problems.
He advised them not to ignore the Obidients, noting that if they (Obidients) get power come 2023, ‘heads will roll’.
The articulated Fani-Kayode, stated this in his article titled: ‘Who are these Obidients’?
Read his full article below:
“Let me make this clear from the outset. I am a member of the APC and a supporter of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“This contribution does not in any way derogate from that and my analysis is more of an academic and intellectual exercise than anything else.
“I am NOT a supporter of Peter Obi and I have NO intention of becoming one. I am however interested on what his supporters represent and stand for and that is the subject of this essay.
“They are worthy of my attention only because their rise and relevance in the political configuration of our nation, just in a matter of weeks, is meteoric and phenomenal.
“In order to counter and defeat them or to keep them in their place we must at least attempt to understand them and figure out how their minds work.
The following are my findings.
“Those that are the supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, are known as ‘Obidients’ and they are EVERYWHERE.
“Those of us in the larger political parties like the ruling APC and the opposition PDP, treat them with contempt and ignore them at our own peril.
“The truth is that they are far more dangerous to our collective cause as a ruling class than many of us can possibly conceive or appreciate.
“Only the discerning can appreciate this and know precisely where this whole thing may be heading.
“They may not have structures or elected representatives in the legislative and executive arms of Government but they have IDEAS and VISION coupled with a clear ideological and philosophical bent which can and will endure for far longer than mere political platforms and structures.
“Unknown to them as well as virtually everyone else, therein lies their power. As they say, an idea whose time has come cannot be stopped.
“Long after we are all gone they will still be here because structures and political alliances rarely endure but IDEAS and VISION last forever.
“Again they will outlive and outlast us all because they are not a political party in the true sense of the word but rather a growing national movement which scales and spreads across ethnic, religious, political and regional lines and traditional boundaries.
“They also represent a generational and paradigm shift which is increasingly attractive to many and they are bound tightly together by a common purpose, common cause and common objective: namely to rid Nigeria of the old order and usher in the new.
“That is really what they want to do and that is the primary and strongest source of their inspiration and motivation.
“They are far more dangerous to what the French describe as the ‘Ancien Regime’, the old political class and the entire system itself than anything we have ever seen before because most of them, bar their leader and a small handful of political tried and tested veterans and old war horses around him, are NOT politicians and have never ventured anywhere near the political arena or the circles of power.
“In the main they are an innovatively aggressive and frightful array and association of angry and determined young men and women who clearly have the courage of their convictions coupled with the audacity, fury, daring, rage and firm resolve of those that were involved in the Endsars protesters and the fiery footsoldiers that effected the 1917 Russian Bolshevik revolution led by Vladimir Iliyich Lenin.
“There is also something Rawlingesque and intimidating about them.
“That is to say they are like the late, great and mighty son of Africa and leader of Ghana, President Jerry Rawlings, who also led a successful revolution in his country in 1979 and who, on his second coming in 1981 when he toppled yet another Government said, “if there is no justice there can be no peace!”
“That is the spirit that is in the Obidients and that is what moves them.
“Yet though they do not like to hear it their chances of winning the presidential election next year, short of a miracle, are very slim and deep down they all know it even if they refuse to publicly acknowledge it.
“Despite that they are determined to fight to the end, hope for the best, work hard and give it their best shot and, of course, therein lies their victory.
“In this game courage is the key. As they say, ‘he who dares wins’. Again as they say, ‘fortune favours the bold’ and these young people are both daring and bold.
“That they can challenge the status quo and vie for the sacred and awesome power that has been shared by the two major political parties or their ancestral variants over the last 62 years is commendable in itself. I am not part of them but I certainly commend and applaud their efforts.
READ ALSO: Obidients are everywhere, they have ideas, vision – Fani-Kayode confesses
“They too have a right to fight for their rights and future and to be heard. They too have a dream and a story to tell and we must never begrudge them that.
“Yet if the truth be told they are not only interested in winning an election but, perhaps even more importantly, they are interested in making a profound and defiant statement, registering their protest against the status qou and the powers that be and triggering and engendering a full scale, comprehensive and all-embracing social, cultural and political revolution.
“They want a real and fundamental change and not a fake one. They want to pull the whole house and system down with everyone in it and rebuild a new one in their own image, with their own values and on their own terms.
“Most important of all they want to see the back of those of us that are in any way associated with the old order or that have been in Government or the corridors of power at ANY point in time over the last 62 years.
“That desire and sentiment is the force that is driving and propelling them and that is kindling their fire and swelling their ranks.
“They are like the Robspiers and the Marats of the bloody French revolution between 1789 and 1799 whose battle cry was “liberty, equality and fraternity”, who brought an end to the French monarchy, Royal family and nobility, chopped off their heads and established a proud and strong new order and proud Republic.
“Like Robspier’s tiny cabal of French revolutionaries they are led by a small cell of intellectual and idealistic hardliners and are bolstered, girded and supported by a volatile, massive and increasingly dangerous support group and power base who threaten violence and hurl insults at their perceived detractors at the drop of a hat and as a consequence of years of pent up anger and frustration.
“If they ever get power many heads will roll and many of today’s and yesterday’s leaders will run into exile or go into hiding.
“This is especially so of those who have something to hide or who have skeletons in their cupboards.
“That is what makes them so threatening and I repeat, those of us that are in the larger political parties or that are members of the existing and ancient ruling class underestimate them, ignore them and display disdain for their firm resolve and rising anger at our own peril.
“Most of my political associates, friends and colleagues across party lines tend to dismiss them with contempt.
“They regard them as being inconsequential and argue that they only exist on social media. I beg to differ. I see them in the streets and I see them in the Churches.
“I see them amongst my staff and amongst those that regard themselves as being amongst the oppressed and downtrodden. I see them amongst the professionals and those that are bankers, lawyers, doctors and artists.
“I see them in the North, West, East and South. I see them everywhere and not only on social media.
“I see them as being a very powerful and potent rising force which, if properly managed, will develop into a major political power over the next few years with a strong ideological and electoral foundation and massive structures.
“That is the potential that they have and that is how dangerous they can be.
“The sooner those of us that are in the larger political parties get off our high horses, display a little humility, try and understand their mindset, reach out to them, take them more seriously, appreciate their anger, restore their hope, make the necessary concessions and try and abate their rage and rising angst the better it will be for us all.
“They may not have today but if we do not play our cards right they may end up having tomorrow. May God help us all.”
Panic swept through parts of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across several schools, forcing many victims to be rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The incident, which occurred less than two months after a similar case in the town, reportedly affected schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.
Witnesses said students suddenly began complaining of breathing difficulties, stomach aches, dizziness, and weakness as the strange gas spread across the affected areas.
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Videos circulating online showed frightened students running out of school premises while teachers and residents assisted those who fainted into vehicles for emergency medical attention.
Many of the affected students were taken to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, while others were rushed to nearby private medical facilities as worried parents stormed the hospitals.
An eyewitness described the situation as more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in April.
“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and the hospital is overcrowded. Some parents had to move their children to private hospitals. The students are complaining of stomach pain and weakness. This incident affected multiple schools and over 100 students,” the source said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that emergency response agencies had been mobilised to contain the situation and investigate the source of the leak.
According to the commissioner, air quality monitoring devices installed within the area detected elevated methane gas concentrations, with readings reportedly peaking at about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.
He explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, the situation was environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
Oresanya said the state government had activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, security agencies, and air quality experts to determine the source and extent of the emissions.
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected schools and hospitals to assess the situation and monitor medical response efforts.
Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas with unusual gas odours, and immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.
The latest incident comes weeks after over 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following another gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in April, raising fresh concerns over environmental safety in the area.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unfair and politically troubling.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
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The former presidential candidate condemned El-Rufai’s detention ahead of the Muslim festival, saying it contradicts the spirit of mercy, compassion, and reconciliation associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
According to Atiku, it would be wrong for any government to deny a citizen freedom without clear justification, especially during a significant religious period when families are expected to reunite.
He warned against the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, stressing that democracy should not be used as a weapon to settle political scores.
“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it is unconscionable to keep a citizen away from his family without just cause,” Atiku stated.
The former vice-president also argued that the credibility of any democratic government depends on how it treats opposition figures and perceived critics.
He urged authorities to ensure transparency if El-Rufai’s detention is connected to ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to constitutional rights, including liberty and due process.
The demand comes days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has intensified its push for globally competitive artificial intelligence and digital technology solutions, as the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation attracted a record 237 entries, the highest participation level since the prestigious $100,000 award was established in 2004.
The milestone comes months after the 2025 edition ended without a winner, following a rigorous evaluation process that found none of the 112 entries submitted met the Prize’s benchmark for scientific excellence, originality, scalability and real-world impact.
The entries were formally handed over to the Prize’s Advisory Board during a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, officially commencing the adjudication process for this year’s competition themed: Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development.
The retention of the theme for a second consecutive year reflects growing recognition of the role of AI and digital technologies in solving socio-economic challenges and accelerating national development.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, said the record-breaking number of entries signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and growing interest among researchers in technology-driven solutions.
“In this fourth revolution, digital infrastructure is as foundational to our survival as electricity or water. For Nigeria, our economic sustainability depends on our ability to move beyond promising research and into undeniable innovation that delivers,” Horsfall said.
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She noted that the decision not to award a winner in 2025 was difficult but necessary to preserve the integrity and global credibility of the Prize.
“We believe that if a Nigerian discovery is to command global respect, it must withstand the highest levels of scrutiny. It is this conviction that guided the difficult decision seven months ago,” she stated.
According to Horsfall, NLNG responded to last year’s outcome by deepening engagement with Nigeria’s scientific and technology community through nationwide roadshows, media campaigns, collaborations with innovation hubs, and knowledge-sharing sessions with researchers and academic institutions.
“Our response was not to lower our standards but to deepen engagement. Today, we can confidently say those efforts have paid off,” she added.
She described the leap from 112 entries in 2025 to 237 entries in 2026 as evidence of rising momentum in Nigeria’s science, AI, and digital innovation ecosystem.
“It proves that there is a hunger in this country for research, innovation, discovery and recognition. It also proves that we need platforms such as this Prize that elevate scientific endeavour and transform ideas into impact,” Horsfall said.
Receiving the submissions on behalf of the Advisory Board, Chairman of the Board, Prof. Barth Nnaji, described the handover as a crucial stage in the search for transformative scientific breakthroughs capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, said the no-winner verdict in 2025 reinforced the Prize’s reputation for excellence rather than diminished it.
“Our refusal to award the prize in 2025 was not a dismissal of the hard work of Nigerian innovators; rather, it reinforces that The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation holds a gold standard of excellence,” he stated.
He explained that entries would continue to undergo strict intellectual and technical scrutiny, with emphasis placed on originality, relevance, scalability, and measurable socio-economic impact.
“The theme we have focused on for the past two years is perhaps the most critical topic of our time. We are looking for solutions that directly address Nigeria’s real-world challenges, whether through digital health technologies for rural communities or the use of AI in preserving our cultural heritage and languages,” Nnaji added.
He further assured stakeholders that the adjudication process would remain independent, transparent, and merit-driven.
“We look at every entry through a lens of fairness, balance and equity. It is this consistency that has given the Prize its enduring credibility over the years,” he said.
Also speaking, NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, commended the resilience of Nigerian innovators who returned with stronger entries despite last year’s disappointing outcome.
“To see the numbers rise to 237 this year tells me that innovators did not see last year’s verdict as a deterrent. Instead, they saw it as a challenge,” she said.
The Advisory Board for the Prize also includes Dr. Nike Akande, former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.
The winning entry for the 2026 edition will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.
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