Obidients Equity, Justice Unite Rejects Akpata, Obi’s Endorsed Candidate In Edo State

Lokoja, Nigeria –  A political group calling itself “Obidients United For Equity, Justice, and Fairness” has launched a scathing attack on Mr. Peter Obi, accusing him of betraying the very principles on which he campaigned in the 2023 presidential election. In a press release to the Independent, the group’s leader, Blessing Edobor, specifically targeted Obi’s support for Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.

Edobor claimed that Akpata, a cousin of incumbent Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, exemplifies the current administration’s perceived lack of inclusivity and fairness. She claimed that by supporting Akpata, Obi had prioritised personal ambition over the “deep values” of Justice, Equity, Fairness, and Inclusiveness, which he advocated for during his presidential campaign.

“Peter Obi campaigned on the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion. “He promised to represent all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region,” said Edobor. “However, in Edo State, he has abandoned those principles. His decision to support Olumide Akpata, a candidate from Edo South, when the call for fairness requires a candidate from Edo Central, is a clear betrayal of the values we hold dear.”

The group cited inconsistencies in Obi’s approach, pointing out that while he had pledged to promote religious and regional balance in his 2022/2023 Presidential Campaign Council, he appeared to have abandoned this commitment in Edo State.

“He [Peter Obi] did not hesitate to select candidates based on religion, ethnicity, and regional representation during his presidential campaign. So, why is he ignoring these principles in Edo State?” Edobor asked.

The statement also chastised Obi for not calling for new primaries in Edo State following the alleged manipulation of the LP primaries by Akpata and LP Chairman Julius Abure, who allegedly favoured candidates from Edo South over Edo Central.

“Peter Obi’s actions have demonstrated that his ambition is more important than the call for equity, fairness, justice, and inclusion in Edo State,” Edobor concluded.

The group urged its supporters to vote against Akpata and instead for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who they believe represents the “best and most competent candidate” and embodies the values of fairness and inclusion.

This accusation from Obidients United For Equity, Justice, and Fairness is sure to reverberate throughout the Labour Party and may have an impact on Obi’s reputation as an inclusive leader.

It is unclear how Peter Obi will respond to these allegations, as well as whether public criticism will influence the outcome of the Edo State gubernatorial election.