A faction of the Obidient Movement, a youth movement that emerged during the 2023 presidential election, has declared support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
The group, comprising members from Edo South Senatorial District, pledged their support for Okpebholo due to his connection with the people. However, the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party has condemned the endorsement, describing it as “absurd” for a group affiliated with the Obidient Movement to support a candidate from another party.
Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, Coordinator General of the Obidient Movement for Okpebholo, explained that the group supports good governance, fairness, and accountability. He noted that they backed Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election due to his Igbo heritage and now support Okpebholo as the most qualified Esan candidate.
Okpebholo appreciated the group’s support and promised to surpass Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievements in his first year if elected. He urged the group to “punish” the current administration with their votes.
The Edo LP Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, dismissed the endorsement, stating that the Obidient Movement is integral to the Labour Party and cannot support another party’s candidate. He questioned the group’s motives and loyalty, citing their earlier support for Peter Obi.
