A faction of the Obidient Movement has announced its support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.

This group, comprising members from the Edo South Senatorial District, cited Okpebholo’s strong connections with the people as their reason for backing him.

However, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party criticized this decision, calling it absurd for members of the Obidient Movement to support candidates from other parties. The Obidient Movement, which gained prominence during the 2023 presidential election to support Labour Party’s candidate, Peter Obi, was later established as a directorate under LP to address the members’ interests but was renamed following Obi’s assertion that it was not affiliated with any political party.

During a meeting with Okpebholo, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, the Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, described the movement as advocates of good governance, fairness, and accountability. He explained that they supported Peter Obi in the 2023 election because they believed it was the Igbo’s turn, and now in Edo, they feel it is the turn of the Esan people.

In response, Okpebholo thanked the group for their support and promised to exceed the achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki within the first year of his administration. He urged voters to use their votes to hold the current administration accountable.

Reacting to the announcement, Sam Uruopa, the Edo Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, expressed disbelief and criticized the group’s decision. He argued that the Obidient Movement is closely tied to the Labour Party and its members should not support candidates from other parties.

He also reminded the group of the difficulties the party faced, such as being denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election. Uruopa questioned the group’s current actions and reaffirmed support for the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.