Election in Edo State: Governor Obaseki Insists Fallout with Wike Won’t Affect Party’s Chances

The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed confidence that his fallout with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will not impact the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming governorship election. Wike was a key figure in Obaseki’s 2020 victory against Adams Oshiomhole-backed candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All-Progressives Congress (APC). However, after the election, the two politicians fell out, with Wike vowing not to support Obaseki’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming election.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obaseki emphasized that Edo people are wise enough to make their own decisions and do not require the influence of outsiders like Wike. "He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb, they know who to vote for," Obaseki said. "They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make their decisions this time because they know what they want."

Obaseki also expressed no regrets over his fallout with some of his political associates, including Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu, stating that some politicians are unhappy with him because he has used government revenues to address the needs of the people.

The governor’s comments come after he described the upcoming election as a "do or die affair" due to the level of impunity and recklessness displayed by the APC. Obaseki clarified his statement, saying that the election is a do or die affair because Edo people will be doomed if the APC takes over the state. "It’s a do or die affair because if they do, we die. The level of impunity, the level of recklessness we see in the opposition party, if they take over Edo state, finished – that is the end," Obaseki said.

Despite the criticisms, Obaseki has maintained that he does not regret making the do or die statement, citing the impunity displayed by the APC ahead of the election. He also alleged that the opposition party has perfected plans to rig the election in their favor on Saturday, but said that the people of the state would resist them.

The election in Edo State is scheduled to take place on Saturday, with Obaseki’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, facing off against the APC’s Osagie Ize-Iyamu.