A faction of the Obidient Movement has announced its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming Edo State governorship election set for September 21, 2024.
The group, comprised of members from the Edo South Senatorial District, declared their backing for Okpebholo on Monday, citing his close connections with the community.
In response, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) condemned the group’s endorsement of the APC candidate. The LP stated that it was absurd for individuals who identify as members of the Obidient Movement to support candidates from other parties.
The Obidient Movement, originally established to promote the presidential campaign of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 election, has since evolved.
Following the election, the Labour Party under Julius Abure formed the Obidient Directorate to address the members’ needs, but the name was changed after Obi clarified that the movement was not tied to any political party.
At a meeting with Okpebholo, the Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, emphasized that the movement’s members are advocates of good governance, fairness, and accountability.
“We supported Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election because we felt it was the turn of the Igbo.
“Right now in Edo, it is the turn of Esan and we need the most qualified to work for everybody, and not a stranger.” he said.
Okpebholo expressed his gratitude for the support and promised to exceed the achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki if elected. He urged the electorate to vote against the current administration for the future benefit of their children.
Edo LP’s Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, criticized the Obidient Movement’s support for Okpebholo, arguing that the movement should align with the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.
““It is absurd to hear that Obidient Movement is supporting Okpebholo just the way some also said they were Obidient Movement for Asue Ighodalo.
“The Obidient Movement is synonymous with the Labour Party and integral members of the party.
“They have forgotten so soon how the party was denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election. So, how can these people now declare support for Okpebholo or Ighodalo?
“For me, they have run out of ideas and do not know what they are doing at this point in time. They cannot be Obidient Movement and work against the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.”
