AN ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF OBIDIENT MOVEMENT IN 2023 ELECTION ON YOUTHS POLITICAL MOBILIZATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The Obedient movement has, through its campaign for a better Nigeria, revived the interest of Nigeria's youth in political participation. Nigeria’s youth had previously lost trust in an electoral system they perceive to be tainted with corruption. These youths  have shaken off their complacency and are demonstrating their unwillingness to accept another round of political failings. According to Jesse (2019), the movement’s political mantra, “a new Nigeria is possible”, has been a rallying call for Nigeria’s newly politically conscious youth. It is not surprising that the youth who are primarily driven by their admiration and fealty to Obi are also united by their disgust with the country’s failing leadership and the hope that their votes can contribute to the process of birthing a new Nigeria.

Conceptually, Obidient Movement is a social media campaign awareness on various media platforms for the political aspiration of Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigeria election. The youngest and presently most well-liked candidate in the race was Peter Obi. According to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 71% of those who completed their voter registration were between the ages of 18 and 34, indicating that young Nigerians were yearning for a new era and are set to demonstrate that (Chukwurah, 2022). Young individuals who are seen to be particularly independent-minded, strong-willed, and disdainful of elder politicians who they claim have done nothing for them are the originators of the "Obidient" movement, as it has been dubbed by many.

Arguably, the "Obidient" movement lacks a clear leader and is decentralized with community funding. It is organized by several tiny organizations with the aim of overthrowing the status quo (Hassan, 2023). Regardless of whether the Obidient movement translates into electoral victory or not, it has been successful in inspiring a generation to be politically conscious. That is a great victory for Nigeria’s democracy. However, in the past ten years, Nigeria has suffered enormous economic hardship and numerous security threats which have created a mood of national despondency. Peter Obi’s candidacy for president is a reaction to that mood and dissatisfaction with the major political parties and is reshaping the nation’s political landscape (Assibong, P. &Oshanisi, O. 2022).

Additionally,youths political mobilization allows political candidates, parties, and activists to disseminate information about their platforms, policies, campaign events, and achievements. Also, Adamu-Alhassan, A. (2018) asserts that social media provides a platform for spreading awareness about political issues, mobilizing support, and engaging with a wide audience. Similarly,  the Obidient movement has reawakened national consciousness to the failings of governance, while simultaneously reviving the hopes of Nigerians, particularly the youth, in the possibility of political change (Bello et al, 2019). Further more, According to  Obadare (2023) states that whether Peter Obi wins the presidency or not,  he has already changed the course of Nigerian politics for good.

However, it has been argued that youths have been at the center of these violent electoral encounters because of their demographic majority and hopeless and disadvantaged status (Ojok & Acol, 2017). Although the dominant political elite utilizes youths’ underprivileged and demographic dominance to safeguard their interests. In addition, The strength of the “Obidient movement” is further seen in its adoption by youths across the country from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and various social and class strata. Even in the more traditionalist Northern enclaves, youths defied their folks and, against all odds, identified with the Obidient movement (Dakuku, 2023).

Therefore,  this study aims to assess the impact of Obidient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization.

1.2  Statement of the problem

Youth mobilization and online campaigns was forcefully waged during the events leading up to the 2023 general election in Nigeria.  Some youth are  being mobilized with an intention to promoting candidates, criticizing opponents, and undermining INEC are anticipated to be intensified in social media in the lead-up to, during, and even after voting. It is projected that the Nigerian election of 2023 would have a substantial impact on the political climate of the nation. In this setting, a grassroots organization known as the "Obidient Movement" has drawn attention as it works to promote political accountability, openness, and citizen engagement.

Additionally, this movement was perpetuated using the Nigeria youths has a wider coverage and best when it comes to disseminating  political campaign messages (Ademola, 2023) . Also, social media sites like Twitter  have developed into powerful tools for influencing public opinion, disseminating information, and coordinating group actions. Youth mobilization and hashtags  influenced narratives, bring attention to certain topics, and amplify voices that would not otherwise be heard. They may also encourage debate, interact with decision-makers, and mobilize support for a variety of causes. In order to understand the elements affecting the Obidient Movement in the Nigerian election of 2023, this study looked at its goals, tactics, and effects on political dynamics.It is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the impact of Obidient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization.

1.3  Objectives of the study

The main purpose of this study is to  assess the impact of Obedient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization. Specifically, the study will;

1.        Assess the extent Obidient Movement influenced the political atmosphere of Nigeria.

2.        Assess the motivations behind the emergence of the Obidient Movement in Nigeria's 2023 election.

3.        Assess the contributions of the Obidient Movement on youths  political participation in the 2023 election in Nigeria.

1.4  Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1.        What is the extent Obidient Movement influenced the political atmosphere of Nigeria?

2.        What were the motivations behind the emergence of the Obidient Movement in 2023 election in Nigeria?

3.        What were the contributions of the Obidient Movement on youths  political participation in the 2023 election in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

 An assessment on the impact of obedient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization will be revealed to the government at various level, politicians, electoral bodies, Nigerian youth, political parties and media houses. Also, the findings will be revealed to political candidates and activists to disseminate information about their platforms, policies, campaign events, and achievements. Further more, to the media houses,it will provide a platform for spreading awareness about political issues, mobilizing support, and engaging with a wide audience.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to  an assessment on the impact of Obidient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment on the impact of obedient movement in 2023 election on youths political mobilization.. Empirically, this study will discuss the extent Obidient Movement influenced the political atmosphere of Nigeria, the motivations behind the emergence of the Obidient Movement in Nigeria's 2023 election, and the contributions of the Obidient Movement on youths  political participation in the 2023 election in Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths in Anaocha local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9       Definition of terms

Elections: a formal and organized choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position.

Obidient Movement: Is a social-Political campaign awareness on various media platforms for the political aspiration of Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigeria election.

Youth:  the state of being young.

Mobilization: the act of organizing or preparing something, such as a group of people, for a purpose.