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In a surprising turn of events, Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan, the fiery Catholic priest from St. Francis Catholic Church in Benin City, Edo State, has announced his decision to join the gubernatorial race for the state. The clergyman made his declaration on Monday, revealing that the decision was spurred by numerous calls and pressures from well-meaning Edo people and Nigerians.
Fr. Obinyan, while refraining from disclosing the political party under which he intends to contest, expressed his readiness to heed the calls and serve the people. His announcement was made during a visit to the secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.
"I received series of calls from well-meaning Edo people and Nigerians across party lines beckoning on me to contest the forthcoming governorship election in our dear state," Fr. Obinyan stated. "After very extensive consultation and consideration, I am pleased to inform you that I am giving Edo people and members of the movement an affirmative nod. And that means I have considered it, and I am very much available and ready to serve."
Highlighting his priestly background, Fr. Obinyan emphasized his training and commitment to serve rather than be served. Supporters of the clergyman, led by Sir Jude Aigbona of the Rev. Fr. Obinyan Movement, rallied behind the decision, urging the people of Edo State to give the priest a chance to govern.
Sir Jude Aigbona stated, "After being governed by politicians and technocrats, Edo people should give the priest a chance to govern the state," describing Fr. Obinyan as a "tested and trusted servant." He called for a mass movement among the youth to support Obinyan, anticipating a transformative impact on the state.
"We intend to run a mass movement, a movement that will reshape Edo State; a movement that will give us a new hope in Edo State," Aigbona asserted. "Edo had seen it all. We have seen technocrats rule us, we have seen politicians rule us, so let us try a man of God. A man who is ready to serve us wholeheartedly so that Edo will be a new state; a new creature that other states will want to emulate."
Basil Ogwu, another member of the movement, emphasized that the support for Fr. Obinyan transcends party lines, stating, "This movement cuts across all party lines. We didn't just come up just to support him, but after much consultation, we discovered that he is credible. We have tried different kinds of people, but this time around, we want to give it to a religious leader."
