In a concerning development, divisions within the Obidient movement in Edo State appear to be widening. On Saturday, a group of Obidients in Benin City stayed away from the launch of the Labour Party's governorship campaign to instead endorse the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

While Labour Party's candidate, Olumide Akpata, opted for a street launch that was attended by Governor Peter Obi, a separate event organized by the "Obidients for AI" group saw the attendance of Edo State 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 (JEF). He reiterated his endorsement of Ighodalo as the candidate who best meets the JEF and 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 emphasized 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 organized by a group of Obidient activists, including Mr. Fred, Ms. Blessing Agho, Mr. Austin Asikhuemen, and Mr. Sunny Dokpesi.

It is worth noting that the Edo Obidient Movement played a significant role in delivering nearly 70% of the votes to Peter Obi in the 2023 Presidential Election. However, the jury remains out on the impact they will have on the September 2024 Governorship elections in the state.

10mobile:
I trust Edo people. One dirty politician might be trying to ride on Obi's reputation to hoodwink the people. That's what many of them did in 2023.

flokii:
Serves the Akpata guy right... he has been used and dumped.

Their EluuP from top to bottom is only good for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo et al. but not good for their own Edo State.
Thank God Yorubas voted wisely and retained all our best hands.

ecolime:

What makes Akpata a dirty Politician?

jasent:

What are you gaining from you support of Apc? Do you like this current Nigeria? Why are you against people because they want a change, why?

LegendHero:
Lol. I like this Edo people, they are not useless like the “Yoruba Buts”.

Obi was in Edo today to campaign for Olumide, the place was so scanty and you’ll feel sorry for Olumide.

The useless Yoruba buts wanted to install Chinedu a serial Yoruba hater as a governor in the West because some deluded guy from Abakalilki is shouting ELupee.

flokii:
Serves the Akpata guy right... he has been used and dumped.

Their EluuP from top to bottom is only good for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo et al. but not good for their own Edo State.
Thank God Yorubas voted wisely and retained all our best hands.

10mobile:

Well, I don't know the candidates well. I'm only imagining why Obedients in one of the most forthright states is boycotting LP.

flokii:


It's hypocrisy for Edo State Obidients to want change from APC to LP in Lagos and others but do not desire the change from PDP to LP in their own Edo State simply because they dislike the candidate.

IPDGP:
World most confuse party.
Just forger presidential seat

Edoblakky:
When did Edo Obidients leave their state to tell you to vote LP? Some of you just type rubbish without proof

Fr33born:
This is why Obi was against some elements trying to drag Obidients into Labour party. Labour party don't own Obidients.
Edo people have the right to choose who is best for them. Nobody is imposing anyone on them.

flokii:


Where is the Hush puppi in hijab Yesufu sef in all these?.. Na so Akpata dream go end for Edo State?
No solidarity, nothing.