The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has reacted to the reported arrest of the Obident movement members in Akwa Ibom on Thursday.
According to Daily Post on Thursday, the 1st of October 2026, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested the state coordinator of the OK Movement, Elijah Noah, in Uyo.
Obi, reacting to the incident in a statement on his X handle on Friday, said Nigeria’s Independence means little if citizens cannot freely express themselves within the bounds of the law.
He said “Independence Is Meaningless Without Real Freedom.
“As we continue to reflect on Nigeria’s Independence, we must remember that independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear.
“Reports that some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom were arrested simply for identifying with the Obidient Movement should worry every Nigerian who believes in democracy and freedom, especially when such identification is a constitutional right.
“One of the greatest tragedies of our society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority. Those who once complained about injustice can become comfortable with injustice when it is being perpetrated against people they disagree with. That must not be the Nigeria we accept.
“Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power.”
