Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed confidence that his falling out with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike will not impact the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances in the upcoming governorship election on Saturday.
Wike, who played a pivotal role in Obaseki’s victory against the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in the 2020 elections, has publicly declared his refusal to support Obaseki’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, this time around. Despite this political rift, Obaseki remains unfazed.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obaseki emphasized that the voters in Edo are astute and capable of making their own decisions. “He (Wike) came to rally Edo people to vote for me, but they are not that naive; they know who to choose,” he asserted. “Edo citizens do not need an outsider to dictate their choices. They are well aware of what they want.”
The governor further stated that he has no regrets about distancing himself from former allies, including Adams Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu. He believes some politicians are unhappy with him because he has prioritized using government funds to address the needs of the community.
Addressing the recent controversy surrounding his comment that the election is a “do or die affair,” Obaseki clarified his stance, which has faced criticism from opposition parties. He explained that the stakes are incredibly high: “If the APC takes over, it would be disastrous for the people of Edo. The level of impunity and recklessness from the opposition is alarming, and it could lead to the state’s downfall.”
Obaseki accused the APC of orchestrating plans to manipulate the election results but expressed his belief that the citizens will stand firm against such tactics. “Edo people will not allow them to succeed,” he stated, reiterating the importance of this election for the future of the state.
