Support for APC Candidate Sparks Controversy in Edo State

A group known as the Obidient Movement has recently thrown its support behind Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024. The group, primarily composed of members from the Edo South Senatorial District, cited Okpebholo’s close ties with the people as the reason for their endorsement.

However, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has raised objections to the support given to the APC candidate by the Obidient Movement. The LP deemed it absurd for members of the Obidient Movement to back candidates from other parties, as they are known to be affiliated with the LP. The Obidient Movement gained prominence during the 2023 presidential election, where it coordinated and promoted the activities of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Following the presidential election, the Obidient Movement was restructured under the leadership of Julius Abure and renamed the Obidient Directorate. However, Peter Obi distanced himself from the movement, stating that it did not belong to any political party and should not be associated with the LP.

During a meeting with Senator Okpebholo, the Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, described the movement’s members as advocates for good governance, fairness, and accountability. He emphasized that their support for Okpebholo was based on the belief that it was the turn of the Esan people, and they needed a qualified candidate who would work for the benefit of all.

Senator Okpebholo expressed his gratitude for the group’s support and promised to repay their trust if elected. He pledged to surpass the achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki in his first year of administration. Okpebholo urged the voters to hold the current administration accountable and emphasized the importance of ensuring a better future for their children.

In response to the endorsement, the Edo LP’s Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, expressed disbelief, stating, “It is absurd to hear that the Obidient Movement is supporting Okpebholo, just as some also claimed to be the Obidient Movement for Asue Ighodalo.” Uruopa argued that the Obidient Movement was synonymous with the LP and its integral members. He also highlighted how the LP was denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election, questioning how these individuals could now declare support for Okpebholo or Ighodalo. Uruopa concluded by suggesting that they lacked direction and were acting against the interests of the party.

The support for Senator Okpebholo by the Obidient Movement has sparked controversy in Edo State, highlighting the political dynamics and tensions surrounding the upcoming governorship election. As the campaign intensifies, it remains to be seen how this endorsement will impact the electoral landscape and the candidates’ chances of success.