According to Vanguard, The chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, winning the September 21 election received a significant boost as a section of the "Obidient" Movement in Edo pledged their support for the party and its candidate on Monday.
This development follows another faction of the movement supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, a few weeks ago.
The faction, comprising members from the Edo South Senatorial District, declared their support for Okpebholo due to his close ties with the local community. Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, the coordinator general of the movement, expressed their commitment during a meeting with the APC candidate, emphasizing their dedication to good governance, fairness, and accountability.
Igbinevbo stated, “We supported Peter Obi, the Labour Party 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 candidate who will work for everyone and not a stranger.”
In response, Okpebholo praised the movement for their support and vowed to uphold their confidence if elected. He criticized the current administration, urging voters to seek change with their votes to prevent future suffering.
However, the move drew criticism from Edo State Labour Party (LP) Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, who questioned the authenticity of the support. He stated, “It is absurd to hear that the Obidient movement is supporting Okpebholo, just as some also claimed they supported Asue Ighodalo. The Obidient movement is synonymous with the Labour Party and integral members of the party.”
Uruopa pointed out past grievances, such as the denial of the use of Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election, questioning the legitimacy of those now claiming to support opposing candidates.
“They have run out of ideas and do not know what they are doing at this point. They cannot be Obidient movement members and work against the party candidate, Olumide Akpata,” Uruopa concluded.