From Moshood Olawale Karim
Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan, a Catholic Priest at St. Francis Catholic Church, has declared his interest to contest in the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
Fr. Obinyan made the announcement during a press conference held at the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where he stated that he had been urged by various groups to join the race.
As a priest, he believes he is equipped to serve the people of Edo State and is ready to do so if given the opportunity.
He said, “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. 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.
“As a priest, I am trained and equipped to serve and not to be served,”
Fr. Obinyan, however, did not reveal the political party on which he intends to run. Members of the Rev. Fr. Obinyan Movement, including Jude Aigbona and Basil Ogwu, have thrown their weight behind him, calling on the big political parties to give their gubernatorial ticket to the Catholic Priest ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship election.
They are confident that with Fr. Obinyan at the helm, Edo State will experience a total turnaround, becoming a new state that others will want to emulate.
