Wave of Defections Hits Labour Party in Edo as Obidients Withdraw Support

Yesterday, Benin City became the epicentre of a significant political shake-up as a series of defections rocked the Labour Party. Hon. Lucky Obiyan, a key governorship aspirant and a notable figure within the ‘Obidient Movement,’ convened a press conference at Olive Place, Akenzua Road, announcing a pivotal shift in allegiance away from the Labour Party’s candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, for the 2024 Edo Governorship Elections. Citing “shady primaries” as the primary grievance, Obiyan declared that his faction could no longer endorse the party’s choice.

Obiyan emphasised the independent ethos of the Obidient Movement, stating that its alignment had been compromised by the actions of the Labour Party in Edo State. He dramatically announced a severance of ties with both the state Labour Party and its gubernatorial candidate, invoking a biblical reference to underscore his point of absolute disassociation.

The day also saw the Edo Obidient Movement vocalise its disillusionment with the Labour Party’s primary election process. Spokesman Mr. Ikhuenbor Figo, speaking at the NUJ Secretariat in Benin City, articulated a lack of confidence in the process, leadership, and Barr. Olumide Akpata’s candidacy, lambasting the primary election as the nadir of electoral integrity in the state. Allegations of corruption, including accusations of financial inducements to sway party executives, were levelled against the process.

Echoing a sentiment of betrayal to the ideals championed by Peter Obi and his followers, Figo called upon Obi to salvage the party from its present disarray in anticipation of future elections. The group’s disavowal of the Labour Party was a clarion call for reformation within the movement and the party structure.

Adding to the Labour Party’s woes, 64 members from Ward 3 Egor LGA transitioned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), throwing their support behind Barr. Asue Ighodalo’s governorship bid. The defectors, led by Evans Lordwin Okunzuwa, justified their move as a commitment to good governance, deeming Ighodalo the most competent among the candidates.

The reception of the defectors into the PDP fold was marked by optimism and assurances of victory, with Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, welcoming the new members. The event underscored a strategic bolstering of the PDP’s prospects in the upcoming elections, with Ifaluyi-Isibor expressing confidence in Ighodalo’s vision for Edo State. This series of defections represents a significant realignment of political loyalties in Edo, hinting at a broader discontent with the Labour Party’s internal democracy and electoral ethics.

Politics Nigeria