A faction of the "Obidient" Movement in Edo State has pledged their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
According to the report by Vanguard on Tuesday, the development came after another faction of the movement declaring their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, a few weeks ago.
The coordinator general of the movement, Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, announced their decision to support Okpebholo during a meeting with the APC candidate, citing his close ties with the people and their desire for good governance, fairness, and accountability.
Igbinevbo explained that their support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was based on their belief in the need for an Igbo presidency, but now, they believe it is the turn of the Esan people in Edo State to produce the governor.
Okpebholo expressed his gratitude for the movement's support and promised to repay the confidence reposed in him if elected.
He urged the people to "punish" the current administration with their votes, warning that failure to do so would lead to suffering for future generations.
However, the Edo State Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, has dismissed the move, describing it as "absurd."
Uruopa argued that the Obidient movement is synonymous with the Labour Party and that supporting other parties' candidates is a betrayal of the party's values.
He questioned how members of the movement could support Okpebholo or Ighodalo, given the party's history, including being denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election.
He said, "The Obidient movement is synonymous with the Labour Party and are integral members of the party.
"They have forgotten so soon how the party was denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election. So how can these people now say they are Obidient members and are supporting Okpebholo or Ighodalo?
"For me, they have run out of ideas, and do not know what they are doing at this point. They cannot be Obidient movement and work against the party's candidate, Olumide Akpata."