Awka – Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has directed his supporters under the Obidient Network to search for the best candidate for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, regardless of party affiliation.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Mr. Ikenna Azomchine, leader of the Obidient Network Advisory Council, during a press briefing in Awka. He explained that Obi had given his supporters the green light to assess all governorship aspirants across various political parties and support the one whose ideology aligns with the welfare and development of the state.

Azomchine revealed that, in line with the directive, the group would soon hold interactive sessions with selected aspirants before making a final decision.

“We want to clear certain misconceptions. Obidient Network is not under any political party as we have members in all political parties across the country. Therefore, we condemn those who recently went to the LP office in Abuja claiming to support a particular aspirant on our behalf,” he said.

He emphasized that the Obidient Network is focused on competence, credibility, and good governance, rather than party loyalty.

“Our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, has authorized us to assess any aspirant in the Anambra governorship race and decide who to support. We will interview them, ask critical questions, and look out for the best person who embodies Obi’s ideals,” he added.

Azomchine also disclosed that he had sought Obi’s permission to engage with the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and was given the go-ahead to dialogue with any candidate.

The Obidient Network leader cautioned politicians and the public against fraudulent individuals using the movement’s name to gain political or financial favors.

“Many people are falsely claiming to represent the Obidient Movement and are collecting money from aspirants. Politicians should be careful about who they engage with,” he warned.

Azomchine reiterated that the Obidient Network’s goal is to serve as an ombudsman for competence and credibility in Anambra’s next governorship election.

“Peter Obi has positioned himself as a key leader of the Igbo people in Nigeria, and we want to uphold his reputation by ensuring that only the best candidates emerge in Anambra and across Igbo land,” he concluded.

He also warned aspirants against using Peter Obi’s name for political gain, stating that the group has not yet made any endorsement for the upcoming election. (Vanguard)