Edo Liberal Party Condemns APC Candidate’s Endorsement of Obidient Movement The Edo Liberal Party (ELP) has expressed outrage over the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to endorse the “Obidient Movement” led by the Labour Party’s Peter Obi. In a statement issued on Monday, the ELP’s Publicity Secretary, Samuel Ogbodo, described Ize-Iyamu’s action as “a blatant betrayal of the APC and its principles.” He said that the “Obidient Movement” represented a direct threat to the ruling party’s political dominance and its agenda to retain power in Edo State. “It is inconceivable that a candidate on the platform of the APC would openly identify with a movement that is working to undermine the very party he represents,” Ogbodo stated. “This endorsement is a clear indication of Ize-Iyamu’s lack of loyalty and his desperate attempt to curry favor with a growing electorate.” The ELP further accused Ize-Iyamu of “political opportunism,” noting that he had previously criticized the “Obidient Movement” and its supporters. The party called on APC leadership at the state and national levels to condemn Ize-Iyamu’s endorsement and distance the party from his actions. “The APC cannot afford to condone such disloyalty,” Ogbodo said. “If Ize-Iyamu is not held accountable for his actions, it will send a dangerous message to other party members who may be tempted to follow his lead.” The ELP, which is fielding its own candidate in the gubernatorial election, urged Edo residents to reject both Ize-Iyamu and the “Obidient Movement.” The party promised to provide a credible alternative that would serve the best interests of the state.Obidient Movement Group Pledges Support for Edo APC CandidateObidient Movement Group Pledges Support for Edo APC Candidate Members of the Obidient Movement in Edo State’s South Senatorial District have declared support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate for the 2024 governorship election. They attribute their decision to Okpebholo’s strong connection with the people. Labour Party Condemns Support However, the Edo Labour Party has condemned the support for the APC candidate. They argue that it is inappropriate for members of the Obidient Movement, which was formed to support the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, to back candidates from other parties. Obidient Movement’s Emergence and Evolution The Obidient Movement gained prominence during the 2023 presidential election as a youth movement mobilizing for Peter Obi. After the election, the Labour Party established the Obidient Directorate but later changed its name following Obi’s denial of its affiliation. Group’s Justification for Supporting APC Candidate The Obidient Movement group backing Okpebholo expressed their values of good governance, equity, and accountability. They supported Obi in the presidential election but believe that it is now Esan’s turn to lead Edo and that Okpebholo is the most qualified candidate. Okpebholo’s Response and Promise Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the group’s support and pledged to honor their trust if elected. He promised to surpass Governor Obaseki’s accomplishments in his first year in office. Labour Party’s Criticism The Edo LP spokesman, Sam Uruopa, criticized the Obidient Movement’s support for Okpebholo, calling it absurd and forgetting the difficulties faced by the Labour Party during the presidential campaign. He emphasized that the Obidient Movement is an integral part of the Labour Party and cannot support other candidates.The Edo State chapter of the Liberal Party has expressed outrage over the endorsement of the Obidient Movement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. In a statement signed by its state chairman, Barr. Isreal Oboh, the party described Ize-Iyamu’s endorsement as “a betrayal of the Edo people and a desperate attempt to cling to power by any means necessary.” “Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s endorsement of the Obidient Movement is a clear indication that he is out of touch with the realities on the ground,” Oboh said. “The Obidient Movement is a movement for change, for a better Nigeria. It is a movement that the Edo people have embraced wholeheartedly.” Oboh accused Ize-Iyamu of trying to “hoodwink” the Edo people by pretending to support the Obidient Movement while secretly working against it. “The Edo people are not fools,” Oboh said. “They know that Ize-Iyamu is a desperate politician who will say or do anything to win an election. They will not be fooled by his fake promises.” The Liberal Party called on the Edo people to reject Ize-Iyamu and his APC in the upcoming election. “The only way to bring about the change that we so desperately need is to vote for the Liberal Party,” Oboh said. “We are the only party that is truly committed to the welfare of the Edo people.”