Like an apprentice abandoning his master midway through training to start a rival business, Valentine Ozigbo has taken a bold yet questionable step in his political journey. His recent moves suggest a calculated effort to carve out a political identity distinct from his former allies.
On the evening of February 19th, Ozigbo shook the political space by announcing his resignation from the Labour Party. By noon the next day, he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving many wondering if his defection had been long premeditated.
While Nigerians debated his sudden switch, Ozigbo was already orchestrating his next big move—the launch of his so-called Valiant Movement.
A Movement or a Mere Mockery?
At first glance, the Valiant Movement may seem like another desperate political rebranding. Many Nigerians reacted with skepticism, dismissing it as mere theatrics.
However, a deeper look reveals an interesting pattern. The timing, structure, and messaging of the movement seem eerily similar to the Obidient Movement, raising questions about its true intent.
On February 22nd, Ozigbo gathered his supporters—many of whom are now seen as political “lost sheep”—to unveil the Valiant Movement. A closer look at the movement’s website, valiant.me, further fuels suspicions that this initiative was in the works long before his defection.
A Caricature of the Obidient Movement?
One cannot ignore the striking similarities between the Valiant Movement and the Obidient Movement. The website branding, messaging, and ideology appear to mimic the Obidient structure, albeit in a watered-down form.
Perhaps the most laughable part is the movement’s acronym, RISE, which seems to be an attempt at mirroring the OBIDIENT brand. Here’s what RISE stands for:
- R – Resist corruption and criminality
- I – Inspire bold leadership
- S – Speak up for democracy
- E – Engage and empower the people
The irony is hard to miss—Ozigbo joined the APC, a party widely criticized for its governance failures, yet his movement preaches ideals that stand in stark contrast to APC’s reputation. The contradiction exposes the movement as nothing more than a mocking adventure rather than a serious ideological push.
Will the Valiant Movement Shake the Obidient Base?
For those who have followed Nigeria’s political landscape since 2022, it is highly doubtful that the Valiant Movement will cause any real disruption to the Obidient Movement, especially in Anambra—Peter Obi’s stronghold.
At best, Ozigbo’s movement may pluck a few discontented members from the Obidient family in Anambra. However, its foundation appears weak, its branding amateurish, and its messaging contradictory.
Ultimately, the Valiant Movement may go down as nothing more than a political shenanigan—an ambitious apprentice turned rebel, aligning with a gang of desperados in pursuit of personal ambition.
