The leader of Edo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, is gearing up for a power struggle against his former protege, Godwin Obaseki, in the battle for control of the state’s political landscape. However, the unfolding drama surrounding the primary election in the state may hamper Oshiomhole’s plans in the latest face-off with Obaseki.
Following the primary election, the APC has ended up with three candidates, as different groups declared separate candidates – Dennis Idahosa, Anamero Dekeri, and Monday Okpebholo. Oshiomhole, who was outmaneuvered during the 2020 governorship election by Obaseki, has endorsed Idahosa for the governorship ticket, along with the backing of the party’s national leadership and APC governors.
The emergence of Okpebholo through a parallel primary has altered the dynamics of the situation. Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, is championing “equity and fairness,” given his district’s historical lack of representation in the governorship role. This has gained support from various quarters, including Ize-Iyamu, adding a new dimension to the power play.
Apart from the political permutations, the party may face a situation akin to the 2019 Rivers State, where the APC was prohibited from presenting candidates for any election post-primary election litigation. Anticipating such a situation, the National Working Committee of the party invalidated the pronouncement of Idahosa as the candidate and removed Governor Hope Uzodinma as the chairman of the primary election Committee.
Oshiomhole continues to see Idahosa as the key to winning the governorship election, banking on Edo South’s votes to complement those from Edo North, an APC stronghold. However, the outcome of the primary, concluding Thursday, will determine if it’s going to be a proxy war between Oshiomhole and Obaseki.
