Divisions within the Obidient Movement in Edo State appear to be widening as a group stayed away from the launch of the Labour Party’s governorship campaign to instead endorse the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo in Benin yesterday.
While the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, opted for a street launch that was attended by Governor Peter Obi, a separate event organised by the “Obidients for AI” group had the attendance of the deputy governor Marvelous Omobayo, PDP governorship candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the director general of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Chris Nwakaobia extolled Ighodalo’s candidacy, arguing that true Obidients would stand for justice, equity and fairness. He reiterated his endorsement of Ighodalo as the candidate whom he said best meets the competence standards.
In his goodwill message, Ighodalo expressed gratitude for the endorsement and pledged to transform Edo State into a first-world economy if elected. He emphasised the importance of functional, high-performing states as the “rising tide that lifts all the other states,” citing examples like Alex Otti in Abia, Babagana Zulum in Borno, and Dauda Lawal in Zamfara.
The deputy governor who described himself as a “foundational Obidient,” stated that his assessment of Ighodalo’s competence is why he would support him, adding that “selling AI’s message to our fellow Obidients will be easy.”
The symposium was organised by a group of Obidient activists, including Mr. Fred, Ms. Blessing Agho, Mr. Austin Asikhuemen, and Mr. Sunny Dokpesi.
The Edo Obidient Movement played a significant role in delivering nearly 70% of the votes to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.
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