The Edo Obidient Movement, a non-partisan group, has publicly withdrawn its support from the Labour Party (LP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata, for the upcoming September 2024 elections in Edo State.
The movement clarified that their previous association with LP was solely due to their endorsement of Peter Obi for president in the 2023 elections.
Having been a prominent support group for Obi, based on his public service record, the movement is now changing its stance.
The spokesperson, Ikhuenbor Figo, expressed disappointment with LP during a press briefing in Benin City, stating that the party has not lived up to expectations as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s major political parties.
The movement criticized the LP’s primary election process in Edo, accusing party leadership at various levels of engaging in actions that were deemed disgraceful and unpatriotic.
Consequently, they have severed ties with LP for the Edo 2024 governorship campaign and related activities.
“We completely disassociate ourselves from the Labour Party and its candidate for the Edo 2024 governorship campaign, street rallies, and fitness walk,” he said.
Furthermore, the Obidient Movement urged Peter Obi to reform the LP’s leadership in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections.
“While assuring his excellency Mister Peter Obi of our continuous support for him, we advise that he provides leadership in the Labour Party and do a thorough review of the party leadership and purge themselves of all contaminating symptoms ahead of the 2027 general election,” Figo said.
The movement announced plans to reveal their chosen political party and candidate for the Edo governorship election in the forthcoming weeks.
