A group affiliated with the Obidient Movement has thrown its support behind Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, slated for September 21, 2024. The group, predominantly from the Edo South Senatorial District, expressed their endorsement based on Okpebholo’s strong connections with the people of the state.
In a statement, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, the Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, emphasized that their decision stemmed from a commitment to good governance, fairness, and accountability. He clarified that while the Obidient Movement had supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, they were now backing Okpebholo because they believed it was the turn of the Esan people to lead Edo State.
Senator Okpebholo welcomed the group’s endorsement during their meeting, thanking them for their confidence and promising to prioritize the interests of all Edo residents if elected. He pledged to surpass the achievements of the current governor and emphasized the need for change in governance to benefit future generations.
However, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party condemned the Obidient Movement’s support for Okpebholo, arguing that it was contradictory for members of the movement to endorse candidates outside of their party. Sam Uruopa, the LP’s Publicity Secretary and PRO, criticized the move, stating that the Obidient Movement was intrinsically linked to the Labour Party and should support their candidate, Olumide Akpata, rather than Okpebholo or any other non-Labour Party candidate.
Uruopa referenced past grievances, including alleged restrictions on the Labour Party’s use of Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, to underscore the party’s longstanding association with the Obidient Movement. He concluded by questioning the coherence and principles of the group’s recent actions, suggesting they were disconnected from their original political alignment.
The endorsement by the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo underscores emerging dynamics in Edo State politics ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, with contrasting reactions reflecting the complex landscape of party affiliations and grassroots support.
