Edo 2024: Factors That May Work Against Obaseki’s Assumed Political Power
- By Metropolix ~
- February 2, 2024 --
- 0 Comment
– Gov. Godwin Obaseki
By Bunmi Onakan
With Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki picking Asuen Ighodalo as a possible successor, the battle for the most exalted position in the state has instesified. The acceptability of Ighodalo across Edo State poses a serious challenge to his aspiration as many party leaders and stakeholders across the state have vehemently opposed his aspiration.
Although some people believe that Gov Obaseki will have his way for his preferred aspirant because of the incumbency factor. Only time will determine this.
Gov Obaseki should understand that the dynamics of Edo 2020 are totally different from 2024. He should be reminded that in 2020, there were internal and external factors that facilitated his victory.
The external support from PDP Govs led by ever vociferous and boisterous Wike isn’t there in 2024. There was a covert support of APC Govs for a former colleague whom they believed was unjustly treated. There was tacit support from the presidency to allow him to complete his tenure. All these external factors are obviously missing in 2024 election.
In his desperate attempt to secure victory for his stooge, Governor Obaseki tried to mend fences with his one time political supporter, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.The meeting took place at Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja, and was attended by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who came with Obaseki.
Obaseki’s peace move was necessitated by the reality of a strong opposition from Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives and the preferred candidate of Dan Orbih, Wike’s key ally in Edo State.
Ighodalo is seeking the governorship ticket of the PDP in Edo State in the February 22, 2024, primary election. There is also the challenge from Philip Shaibu, the current deputy governor.
Although Ighodalo has expressed confidence in winning the party’s ticket, going into the primaries against Ogbeide-Ihama and Shaibu is viewed in Obaseki’s camp as a delicate game.
At the meeting with Wike, Obaseki was said to have sought “reconciliation” and apologised for previous misunderstanding between them.
Ighodalo would be willing to pick Ogbeide-Ihama as his running mate, according to the deal offered by Obaseki.
Wike reportedly told him point-blank that he would not have any dealings with him as he was not known to have kept faith with anyone that assisted him in the past.
Hence, Wike demanded a “level-playing field so that most acceptable candidate can win,”sources said.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Nehikhare, who reacted to the development, said: “The governor had exco meeting with us through zoom today. Then we signed up an agreement for concessioning and he was there physically at noon.
“So ,I don’t know whether the governor was in town or out of town, so I cannot confirm nor deny the meeting but on the other hand, if he is doing everything to carry everybody along, I think it is a good thing.”
The internal factors occasioned by the erroneous belief that he wasn’t allowed to work are missing. The sentiment against godfatherism, as well as the goodwill he enjoyed from the people of the state, has evaporated into the air.
A united and virile PDP led by the erstwhile State Chairman and current Vice Chairman South-South, the Kulukulu 1, Chief Dan Orbih is no longer there.
However, notable leaders of the party, including former governorship aspirants like Barr Ken Imansuangbon, Arc Mike Onolememe, Engr Gideon Ikhine, Sen Mathew Urhoghide and many others are no longer in PDP. A core and vital group within PDP, now called legacy group led by Chief Dan Orbih, are fighting to save the soul of the party.
The governor should note that his rugged and committed foot soldiers like Charles Idahosa, the present Dep Gov Com Philip Shuaibu, and some members of EDHA have stayed away from the Governor and his supposed anointed candidate.
The general belief that the Gov has not done well in terms of performance which resulted in the abysmal performance of the party in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections is a pointer to the fact that the party is heading towards a disaster in 2024 Governorship election in Edo if nothing is done.
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