Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 elections, has thrown his weight behind Olumide Akpata, the party's flag-bearer in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial poll.
Amidst divisions within his supporters' base, known as the OBidient Movement, regarding whether to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, or the LP candidate, Olumide Akpata, Obi has declared his endorsement for Akpata.
Speaking on X Space hosted by Parallel Facts, Obi lauded Akpata as "a very credible candidate" and urged his supporters to extend their full support to the former NBA President.
Furthermore, Obi pledged to actively campaign for Akpata once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially commences the electioneering campaign.
This development follows a closed-door meeting between Akpata and the Labour Party's national leader. The endorsement is seen as a significant blow to the PDP and Governor Obaseki's camp, who were hoping for Akpata's withdrawal from the race.
Obi's move has sparked discussions among political observers, with some predicting a shift in votes from PDP to LP, particularly in the Benin axis, potentially impacting the electoral dynamics as the race unfolds.
