According to the party, the Obidient family, as Obi’s supporters are known, has only one governorship candidate in Imo State — Athan Achonu.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Labour Party has urged young people in Imo State not to be swayed by politicians engaging in identity theft and trying to appeal to the Obidient family as it concerns the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State.
The party stated this in a press release on Tuesday signed by the National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu; chief spokesperson of Obi Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Tanko Yunusa; and National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
According to the party, the Obidient family, as supporters of Peter Obi are known, has only one governorship candidate in Imo State — Athan Achonu.
The statement reads, “Few weeks ago, the leadership and members of the Obidient family led by our principal, Peter Obi, were in Owerri, Imo state capital to flag off the governorship campaign of the Labour Party candidate, Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu. Present at the flag-off were many other leaders of the party and Obidient family including the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, members of the National Working Committee and National Assembly members, including various stakeholders and party members.
“At the function, our Principal, called all the Obidient family members in Imo State to file behind the Labour Party candidate, Senator Achonu. He also said that Achonu stands tallest amongst other candidates in the contest having developed a programme well suited for Imolites which will end hunger, insecurity, unemployment which is very prevalent in the state under the current leadership.
“Senator Achonu has been cleared by the National Executive Council of the party to fly its flag. His nomination has since been adopted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the courts in the land including the Supreme Court has given recognition to Senator Achonu’s candidacy.
“I lay this foundation so as to make clarification on the directive by our Principal on who the Obidient Family and lovers of democracy, particularly in Imo state must file behind. The directive is very clear and unambiguous.
“The Obidient Brand is a copyright ownership of our principal, Peter Obi. The Youth who believe in his style of leadership and politics with his messages which has resonated with the Nigerian youths, in this case especially with Imo Youth, have now been directed to file behind Senator Athan Achonu.
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“However, we are not unmindful of attempts by some politicians to poach into the Obidient Family and pursue an Identity Theft agenda. We are aware also that some political parties are making efforts to misdirect some of our family members. Two other parties which are contesting in the election, particularly, the PDP and APC are guilty as charged. We are aware that the intimidating activities of the Obidients all over have driven fears into them and the thought of confronting these followers of Peter Obi in the November 11 election has thrown spanners into their midst.
“We are also not unmindful of huge resources being deployed by the state government as well as 4,000 fake job promises being offered to our members in order to poach them. As laughable as these offers and promises are, the Imo youths are much more intelligent and are not gullible . They can’t compromise their future because of the antics of some failed politicians who have raped Imo State and have encouraged insecurity for their selfish interest.
“A new Imo is POssible again. A state where peace and security shall be the paramount of the government, a state where the youth will be assured of their future and no fake political promises will be given. A state where the resources of the state will be used purely for the development of the state and not for personal use of a few.
“A better Imo state is ‘Athanable’ and Athan Achonu will emerge victoriously.”