Edo Election Showdown: Shaibu Endorses APC, Obidient Movement Backs PDP.

In the lead-up to the Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, 2024, political dynamics are intensifying. Former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu publicly endorsed Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, criticizing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as an outsider. Meanwhile, the PDP is banking on support from the Obidient movement, a socio-political group, to bolster Ighodalo’s campaign. The Obidient movement has pledged to mobilize over 150,000 votes in favor of Ighodalo, emphasizing his capacity and competence. Despite these endorsements, the political atmosphere remains competitive, with both major parties vying for dominance in the upcoming election.

Edo State Gubernatorial Election Heats Up: Shaibu Backs APC, Obidient Movement Supports PDP

As the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State draws near, political alliances are shifting and the battle for the state’s top office is intensifying.

Former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has publicly endorsed Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, criticizing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as an outsider. Shaibu’s endorsement comes as a significant boost for Okpebholo, who is seeking to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Shaibu, who served as Deputy Governor under Obaseki, has been a vocal critic of the PDP, accusing the party of lacking a clear vision for the state. In a recent statement, Shaibu said, “I am fully behind Monday Okpebholo. He is a true son of Edo State and has the experience and vision to lead our state to greater heights.”

On the other hand, the PDP is banking on support from the Obidient movement, a socio-political group, to bolster Ighodalo’s campaign. The Obidient movement, which emerged during the 2023 presidential election, has pledged to mobilize over 150,000 votes in favor of Ighodalo. The group believes that Ighodalo, a renowned lawyer and businessman, has the capacity and competence to lead Edo State.

In a statement, the Obidient movement said, “We are fully behind Asue Ighodalo. He is a man of integrity and vision, and we believe he is the best candidate to take Edo State to the next level.”

Despite these endorsements, the political atmosphere in Edo State remains competitive, with both major parties vying for dominance in the upcoming election. The APC is hoping to retain control of the state, while the PDP is looking to make a comeback after losing the governorship in 2016.

As the election draws near, political analysts are closely watching the developments in Edo State. The outcome of the election is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape in the state and the broader South-South region of Nigeria.