For
Mr. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State, reprieve is still a long way. The
reason is not far-fetched: The APC national Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole
has made up his mind not to cede the party ticket to him—and this is final. And
although President Muhammad Buhari has ordered that he be allowed to context
for second term in office, political observers believe no one is deceived. If
his body language is anything to go by, Obaseki’s days in office may be
numbered-unless he resorts to Yahaya Bello’s tactics.
Besides,
the game plan by Adams Oshiomole to appoint a ‘stooge” APC State Chairman, in
the person of Mr. David Imoise, the decampment of PDP Stalwarts to APC and the
impending plot to deploy “Abuja Federal Might” during the primary plus INEC’s
legendary double face, then you can see clearly the handwriting. “Do you think
Obaseki stand a chance if they bring 40-50,000 policemen to monitor the
elections? asked an anonymous source. Political pundits believe that Oshiomole will
yet produce a dark horse to unseat Obaseki.
The
report added that although the venerable Oba of Benin has waded in and ordered prominent
Benin sons – Capt. Hosa Okunbor and Chief Chris Ogiewonyi not to contest
against Obaseki, observers insist that few will listen.
But
at the moment, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has grassroots support, and his performance
is counting for him and there is the need for Adams Oshiomole to be wary of the
Zamfara treatment. ‘You can’t ride roughshod over a sitting governor just like
that”, said a youth leader in Etsako West LGA; “you will certainly have your
fingers burnt”, he insisted.
Knowing
what lies ahead of him, Mr. Obaseki is not leaving any stone unturned; he has
set in motion to put together the delegates for the primary and anyone who is
not in support of his ambition or perceived to be close to Oshiomole is
automatically given the boot. “That’s how determined Obaseki is and who can
blame him?” questioned an interested party. “He, Obaseki knows too well that a
defeat will see him in political limbo and if possible arrest and intimidation
by EFCC”, he added.
Meanwhile
the duplicate “APC” State Chairman in the person of Col Imoise was reportedly locked
out at the crucial Abuja meeting where the President was in attendance. He was said to have been given the cold
shoulders and driven far from the premises.
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