A community advocate and political stakeholder in Kano State, Nworisa Michael, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing marginalisation of members of the Obidient movement within the political arrangement of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.
Michael, who is known for community engagement and youth-focused advocacy in Kano, questioned the absence of candidates from the Obidient movement in key legislative contests despite what he described as the movement’s proven electoral strength in the area.
According to him, Fagge remains one of the strongest bases of the Obidient movement in Kano State, yet no candidate identified with the movement secured tickets for either the House of Representatives or State House of Assembly positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He disclosed that at least three aspirants aligned with the movement had shown interest in contesting elective positions, with two consulting him privately and another publicly declaring his intention to run.
“None of them made it through the process despite their viability and support base, while their sister movement within the NDC secured all available opportunities,” he stated.
Michael recalled that during the 2023 elections, the movement had stronger visibility and participation, noting that Obidient supporters presented candidates and demonstrated electoral capacity during the polls.
He pointed to the performance of the movement in the Fagge Federal Constituency race, where supporters played a significant role in unseating the then incumbent lawmaker and forcing a rerun election against the eventual winner.
The community advocate also questioned the decision to return a former lawmaker who had already spent three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives as the party’s candidate again.
“What exactly was left unfinished after 12 years in office? If our votes are valuable during elections, then our candidacy should also matter,” he argued.
He further stressed that political alliances should be built on partnership and inclusiveness rather than what he described as selective participation.
Michael warned that continued exclusion of grassroots political actors could weaken trust within coalition movements ahead of future elections.