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.