2023: Benin Shutdown as Thousands March for Obi/Datti in Edo

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

Thousands of supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the budding Labour Party (LP) Saturday took to the main streets of Benin in a massive show of strength.

Some major roads in the Edo State capital were closed during the march which was tagged One Million Man March in support of Obi and the party's vice presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Ahmed.

The gaily dressed supporters, mostly youths were decked in LP logo blocked downtown Ring Road and adjoining roads chanting solidarity songs in support of the party's candidates. 

The  march which lasted for several hours caused heavy traffic hold up in most parts of the metropolis as motorists seek  alternative roads   to avoid the  vehicular traffic.

Speaking at the rally Human Rights crusader and President of One Love Foundation, Mr. Patrick Eholor declared that the march is a political revolution and a pointer that there is a n urgent need for a real change in the country. 

Eholor said: "I am here for the One Million March which exceeded one million. This shows that things need to change in this country as Nigeria belongs to everybody but but some have taken it to be their personal property. I am happy that some young people are now beginning to know that it is time to take back their country. President Buhari is not doing well. University students have been out of school for seven months now."

He continued: "Unemployment is on the rise. Workers can't get their salaries. There is hunger in the land. We are here to take back our country."

Speaking in the same vein,the Director of Logistics OBIDATTI  Campaign, Edo State, Mr. Godwin Erhemoha said the march showed that Nigerians are tired of the two political parties, APC and PDP) and want a change, noting that Obi mirrors the change Nigerians presently desire.

Erhemoha added that nobody was paid as people made donations for the success of the rally.