Abia Obidient Movement Plans One-Million-Man March to Celebrate Peter Obi’s 64th Birthday

The Abia State chapter of the Obidient Movement has announced plans to stage a one-million-man march on July 19, 2025, to celebrate the 64th birthday of former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Organizers said the event will take place simultaneously in Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Uzuakoli, with participants assembling at Okpara Square in Umuahia, Osisioma Flyover in Aba, Practising School in Uzuakoli, and the Ohafia Central Field. The march will commence at 10:00 a.m. and will include visits to hospitals, orphanages, and other centres to reflect Obi’s long-standing tradition of spending his birthday with the less privileged. In a statement issued by the Abia Obidient Movement, the group said the event is themed “From Compassion to Purpose: Obidients in Action for a New Possible Nigeria.” They described it as a peaceful, symbolic activity aimed at promoting compassion, civic awareness, and grassroots mobilization while honouring Obi’s legacy of service and humility. “This march is not a political rally. It is a celebration of a man whose leadership style and values continue to inspire Nigerians across all backgrounds,” the statement said. “We are proud to walk in his footsteps by taking action in our communities.” The march is part of a broader national strategy by the Obidient Movement to engage more Nigerians in civic and political participation. The group recently launched a grassroots mobilization campaign aimed at recruiting 18 million new supporters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 elections, with each state expected to contribute about 500,000 new members. In June, the national arm of the movement suspended a proposed fundraising campaign for Obi’s birthday celebration following public backlash over transparency concerns. The Abia chapter emphasized that the one-million-man march is being organized without political sponsorship and funded solely through voluntary donations from members. Peter Obi, who turns 64 on July 19, is widely known for his frugal lifestyle and commitment to public service. He typically spends his birthdays visiting public hospitals, orphanages, and correctional centres, and the Obidient Movement said it was inspired to carry out similar humanitarian acts across Abia State as part of the commemoration. Security agencies have been notified of the planned marches, and organizers said they are collaborating with local authorities to ensure safety and order during the event. They also called on Nigerians across political, religious, and ethnic lines to join the march as a show of unity and shared commitment to a better Nigeria.