Members of the Igbo ethnic community living in Edo and Delta States have launched a large-scale grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following an alleged threat issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Igbo Unity Forum, was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the group’s Coordinator-General, Chief Ekene Okpara.
He said the decision to rally behind Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election was prompted by the country’s deepening economic crisis and what he described as Governor Okpebholo’s “provocative and undemocratic utterances” during Obi’s recent visit to Benin City.
“The current hardship Nigerians are enduring under the APC-led government is unprecedented,” Okpara stated. “Rather than address the issues affecting the people, we are witnessing needless distractions and threats against those who are trying to bring solutions.”
According to Okpara, the forum has set an ambitious target to deliver no fewer than five million votes for Obi in the next general elections, regardless of his political platform. He said the alleged statement by Governor Okpebholo, insisting that Obi must seek his permission before visiting the state, was not only undemocratic but had further galvanised support for the former Anambra State governor.
“That statement alone has ignited a new wave of determination among us. We will mobilise not just in Edo and Delta, but across Nigeria and the diaspora,” he said.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, secured over 6.1 million votes nationwide, winning in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including a strong showing in Edo State, where he polled 331,163 votes, defeating candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Chief Okpara further described Governor Okpebholo as a “meddlesome busybody,” urging him to focus on delivering good governance rather than engaging in actions capable of damaging his political standing.
The group also extended a call to all residents of Edo and Delta States to unite in the mission to secure electoral victory for Obi in 2027. Additionally, they appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps to revive the economy and improve infrastructure nationwide.
