Yusuf Rahimat Clara reporting
A non-political body under the aegis of the Edo Obidient Movement has distanced itself from the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate in the upcoming September election, Olumide Akpata.
The group insists that its involvement with LP during the 2023 general elections was strictly based on its support for the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Recall that the movement emerged as one of the many support groups for Obi during the last general elections, owing to his credentials and antecedents in public office.
The group is however singing a different tune now, insisting vehemently that they are not in support of Akpata.
While addressing journalists at the NUJ Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Saturday, the group’s spokesperson Ikhuenbor Figo insisted that LP has failed to impress as the alternative to the two main political parties in Nigeria.
It passed a vote of no confidence on the Edo LP primary election process, alleging that the leaders, both at the national and state working committees, the local government area, and ward executives are all guilty of involvement in what is regarded as disgraceful and unpatriotic activities before, during and after the primary.
“We completely disassociate ourselves from the Labour Party and its candidate for the Edo 2024 governorship campaign, street rallies, and fitness walk,” he said.
The Obidient Movement also called on Obi to sanitize the leadership of the LP head of the 2027 presidential elections.
“While assuring his excellency Mister Peter Obi of our continuous support for him, we advise that he provides leadership in the Labour Party and do a thorough review of the party leadership and purge themselves of all contaminating symptoms ahead of the 2027 general election,” Figo said.