Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is making efforts to secure the support of the “Obidients” Movement ahead of the upcoming governorship election on November 11.
In a bid to win over the group, Governor Uzodinma described the Obidients Movement as a patriotic crusade for good leadership in Nigeria, per Premium Times.
Addressing a group of youths from the Imo Obidients Youths, who “endorsed” him for the election, Uzodinma clarified that the Obidients Movement transcends political party affiliations and is focused on advocating for effective leadership and the future interests of Nigeria.
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The term “Obidients” is commonly associated with supporters of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election. The name is derived from Mr. Obi’s surname, and it has been used to describe a group critical of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Uzodinma, a member of the APC, is seeking re-election. He expressed his willingness to work closely with the Obidients Movement to realize their aspirations for a better Imo State that recognizes its youth population, has a clear development plan, and a defined direction.
The leader of the Imo Obidients Youths, Mandela Emeka, announced their endorsement of Governor Uzodinma for the upcoming election, emphasizing their belief that he is the most suitable candidate to lead the state.
The political affiliations of these youths remain unclear, and it is uncertain if they are affiliated with the LP, which has put forward Athan Achonu as its governorship candidate for the election.
In the past, Governor Uzodinma had criticized the LP supporters, describing them as a party strong on social media but lacking a substantial political structure on the ground. However, the LP experienced some surprising electoral victories in the 2023 elections, including winning the governorship election in Abia State.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, garnered significant support during the 2023 elections, particularly in Nigeria’s Southeast region. Although he did not win the presidential election, his party, the LP, achieved multiple electoral successes across the country for the first time in the party’s history. The “Obidients” Movement played a notable role in rallying support for Peter Obi’s campaign.
During the 2023 elections, various opposition parties, particularly in the southeast, sought to incorporate the term “obedient” into their campaign messages to attract supporters of the LP. The movement’s influence on electoral dynamics was evident, and its significance continues to be a topic of discussion in Nigerian politics.