Ahead of the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly elections, 94 support groups for Peter Obi, better known as Obidients under the auspices of the Coalition for Better and Brighter Nigeria, CBBN have endorsed the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue State, Engr Titus Uba.
Members of the Coalition in their thousands across the 3 Senatorial districts of the State, Monday, March 13, 2023 converged on the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi where they announced to Governor Samuel Ortom, their decision to back the PDP gubernatorial candidate to emerge victorious at the polls.
Speaking during the endorsement, Coordinator of the coalition, Dr Chukwuemeka Nweze stated that the Coalition comprises 94 groups that worked for the presidential bid of Peter Obi of Labour Party.
He disclosed that the Obidients will synergise and ensure that Engr Uba wins the governorship election, stating that in Nigeria today, it is no longer about political parties but about individual candidates who stand for the interest of the people.
Dr Nweze maintained that “the Benue valley is under threat and we need to rise in one voice to protect and defend it” stressing that the decision of the Obidients to pitch tent with the PDP candidate was in solidarity with Governor Samuel Ortom who has stood firmly to resist the invasion of the state.
According to him, “We are here today to reciprocate the magnanimity of Governor Ortom to defend Benue State,” commending the Governor for standing in solidarity with the Obidient movement, even at the expense of his Senatorial aspiration.
In separate remarks, Innocent Kwaghmande, Paul Tarnongu and Salome Okoye also pledged the support of the Obidient movement to Titus Uba, noting that Benue is facing an existential threat as a result of conspiracy against the state which required collective efforts to tackle, devoid of partisanship.
They affirmed that among the array of governorship candidates in the state, only Engr Uba has openly shown his disposition to sustain the struggle to keep the soul of Benue State.
In his response, Governor Ortom commended the leadership of the Coalition and the members for coming out in large numbers to endorse the PDP guber candidate.
Governor Ortom said he was proud of supporting the Obidient movement, noting that “I see the movement as an emerging force for a better Nigeria where equity and justice will prevail.”
He lauded the Obidients for throwing their weight behind the PDP guber candidate, stating that “It is about the future of our state and Nigeria at large.”
The PDP Governorship candidate, Engr Titus Uba was in company of his running mate, Sir John Ngbede, said the endorsement and show of love by the Obidients was an emotional moment for him and expressed deep appreciation to members of the movement, promising not to disappoint the people when given their mandate.