In 2022, Obi ran for president himself, first in the PDP until defecting to the Labour Party in May 2022 to obtain its nomination. Obi's presidential campaign has been described as populist and performed well among youth, who have been nicknamed "Obidients".
In 2022, Obi made a bid for the presidency himself, initially with the PDP before switching parties in May 2022 to gain the Labour Party's nomination. Obi's presidential campaign has garnered significant support among young people, who have been affectionately referred to as "Obidients" due to their strong backing.