The search for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor at Osadebay House in November 2024 has sparked widespread debate and controversy. Amidst this polemic, what particularly strikes the tireless and irrepressible people of Edo State is their united resistance against any candidate supported by Governor Obaseki.
The resentment towards Governor Godwin Obaseki has grown exponentially, similar to a tree planted by a river, first with his actions towards members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obaseki’s treatment towards party chieftains has left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who initially supported him, as it seems he deliberately burns bridges after successfully crossing over.
Presently, Governor Godwin Obaseki faces the daunting challenge of installing a successor as governor, as all political forces in the state are determined not to be defeated again. Unfortunately for him, Mr Asue Ighodalo, Obaseki’s chosen one, now suffers from the political sins of his sponsor, Godwin Obaseki.
Investigations conducted by this essayist in reveal a deliberate conspiracy against Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy. Many indigenes of Edo State believe that if elected governor, Asue Ighodalo will be worse than Godwin Obaseki. With the exception of Edo Central where he hails from, and is seen as their strongest route for a third shot at Osadebay Avenue, many PDP chieftains are hesitant to give him their support for the party’s ticket, fearing that he will continue Obaseki’s legacy and potentially jeopardize the party’s success at the polls.
Alex Omiuno, a bolt driver, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Obaseki’s Edo State. He stated, “Edo has never had it this bad. We thought ‘wake and see’ meant waking up to development and better lives. Little did we know that it meant waking up to witness our suffering worsen.” Although he has not yet decided who to vote for, he is determined to vote against any candidate backed by Governor Obaseki.
Madam Rose Aimomoh, a canvasser, explained her support for Asue Ighodalo, saying, “I worked for Obaseki in 2020, and they made many promises, but he failed to fulfill them. To regain some of what was promised, I have joined Ighodalo’s campaign because that’s where the money is. The funds that were withheld from us since 2020 are now being offered. It’s our money, and we must take it. Our party leaders will instruct us on whom to vote for when the election comes.”
When asked whether the party leaders will direct them to vote for Asue Ighodalo, she vehemently rejected the idea. “Absolutely not! Who is he? Is he even a PDP member? We know our members, and we know who we will vote for. He is the governor’s wife, and we will reject them both.”
A PDP chieftain from Egor Local Government Area, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his opinion on the matter. He revealed that party members have resolved to reclaim their party from “these Lagos investors” who see governing Edo State as an extension of their private businesses in Lagos. He expressed disappointment that despite the way Godwin Obaseki was sold to the state in 2016, Edo has not reaped the benefits of any of the various investment opportunities promised, while the governor himself has enjoyed personal gains over the past seven years.
He questioned Asue Ighodalo’s sudden interest in uniting the Peoples Democratic Party and advised him to focus on such attempts after the elections if he truly loves the party.
Edo State residents possess a sophisticated political understanding, and their sagacity should not be undermined. Their unity and purpose have proven that even a wealthy candidate can lose an election. Asue Ighodalo must not ignore the warning signs of rejection, as the people know what they want, and that is not Obaseki and his anointed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roland Ologbosèrè is political analyst.
