Tensions are mounting within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a fierce dispute erupts between two prominent party figures regarding the endorsement of a governorship candidate ahead of the February 22, 2024, primaries.
The conflict arose when Owere Dickson Imasogie, representing the Edo South Senatorial District, publicly threw his weight behind Asue Ighodalo as the favored candidate for the upcoming election. Imasogie’s endorsement, announced during Ighodalo’s official declaration of candidacy, was intended to signal unwavering support, with Imasogie proclaiming, “I have endorsed him (Asue Ighodalo) as the PDP candidate for the September 21, 2024 governorship election. And I will take the message back to my people.”
However, the endorsement was swiftly met with opposition from Orobosa Omo-Ojo, an influential party leader in the same senatorial district. Omo-Ojo vehemently dismissed Imasogie’s actions, asserting that they held no validity. In a statement released to the press in Benin, Omo-Ojo, a former two-time commissioner in Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, declared, “The former Chairman of Edo South Senatorial District, Owere Dickson Imasogie, is free to endorse any aspirant but not to speak on behalf of Edo South leaders.”
Omo-Ojo went on to clarify, “It must be noted that what Owere Dickson Imasogie said at a recent declaration of interest rally organized by a PDP aspirant has nothing to do with the corporate interests of Bini of Edo South Senatorial District.” Pointing out Imasogie’s lack of authority, Omo-Ojo emphasized, “Imasogie has a constitutional right to stand with any aspirant of his choice, but he should note that he is not an officer of the party. As such, he has not spoken on behalf of Edo South leaders, but perhaps his household.”
Further discrediting Imasogie’s stance, Omo-Ojo stated, “For the information of Edo people, Owere Dickson Imasogie is not the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo South and, as such, can only speak for himself and some of his followers, as he has done.” Ominously cautioning against the repercussions of Imasogie’s actions, Omo-Ojo warned, “The general public should please be mindful of statements in the manner in which Owere Dickson Imasogie has spoken. Such is capable of polarizing the PDP, which needs healing at this time.”
As the PDP grapples with internal turmoil and diverging factions, the looming governorship primaries have now become a battleground for power and influence, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in Edo State.
