A group within the Obidient Movement has declared its support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This group, consisting of members from the Edo South Senatorial District, announced their backing of the APC candidate on Monday, citing his strong connection with the local populace as the reason for their support.
In contrast, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) criticized this endorsement, arguing that it was illogical for individuals identifying as part of the Obidient Movement to support candidates from other political parties.
The Obidient Movement initially gained prominence during the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, supporting the Labour Party’s candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
After the election, the movement was restructured under Labour Party leadership by Julius Abure into the Obidient Directorate, though it was later renamed following Obi’s assertion that the movement was not tied to any political party.
During a meeting with Okpebholo, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, the Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, emphasized that the movement’s members valued good governance, fairness, and accountability.
Igbinevbo explained that their support for Peter Obi in the 2023 election stemmed from a belief in the significance of an Igbo presidency. He stated that for the current Edo election, it was essential to back a candidate from the Esan ethnic group, whom they deemed the most qualified to represent and work for the community.
Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the group’s support, vowing to exceed the accomplishments of the current Governor, Godwin Obaseki, within his first year in office if elected.
He urged voters to oppose the current administration by voting against them, suggesting that failing to do so would harm future generations.
Sam Uruopa, the Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the Edo Labour Party, condemned the group’s support for Okpebholo. He found it contradictory for members of the Obidient Movement to back candidates like Okpebholo or Asue Ighodalo, given their supposed allegiance to the Labour Party.
Uruopa reminded the public of past grievances, such as the denial of access to the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election, questioning how these individuals could now support non-Labour candidates.
He suggested that those claiming to be part of the Obidient Movement while opposing the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, were misguided and lacking direction.
