A political group, Obidients United For Equity, Justice, and Fairness, has accused Peter Obi of unilaterally endorsing Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s candidate for the upcoming Edo governorship election, abandoning the principles of internal democracy.
In a statement released by the group’s leader, Blessing Edobor, in Lokoja, Obi’s decision was criticized as biased, with allegations that Akpata is a cousin of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Edobor faulted the selection process, accusing Obi of ignoring the call for justice, equity, and fairness, which had been the foundation of his 2022/2023 presidential campaign.
The group expressed disappointment, pointing to Obi’s previous efforts to ensure balance in his campaign team, where he selected Doyin Okupe and Dr. Akin Oshotokun for key roles and Dr. Yunusa Tanko as spokespersons, to reflect religious and regional inclusivity.
However, in Edo State, they claim Obi has turned a blind eye to these values, endorsing a candidate from Edo South despite calls for the governorship to shift to Edo Central after Governor Obaseki’s eight years in office.
Edobor also alleged that the Labour Party primaries were manipulated by Akpata and Julius Abure, the party chairman, to sideline Edo Central candidates, with Obi refusing to intervene.
In contrast, the group praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for rectifying a similar issue by holding fresh primaries to ensure regional fairness.
Edobor announced the group’s support for Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, calling him the most competent contender who embodies the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
The group urged supporters to vote for Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, in the September 21, 2024, election.
