Ahead Of PDP Primary Obaseki Begs Wike For Reconciliation
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has requested the aid of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary on February 22.
In June 2020, when Obaseki was running for re-election as governor after being disqualified by his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for allegedly submitting fraudulent certificates, Wike stepped in.
Wike’s assistance enabled Obaseki to obtain the PDP governorship ticket, resulting in his election victory.
The Director of Press to the FCT Minister, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, claimed that he was not in a position to comment on Wike’s political meetings.
Though sources in Abuja told said that they expected the Tuesday night meeting between Obaseki and Wike to be a prelude to another masterstroke, it ended in a disappointment for the governor.
“It is true that both Wike and Obaseki met on Tuesday night. It is true that Governor Fintiri was there. It is also true that Obaseki wanted a similar masterstroke, like what he got before, towards ensuring the success of his candidate, but Wike always tries to avoid a repeat of political betrayals, especially in a situation where all those who did the legwork and got disappointed still find it difficult to trust new overtures,” a top source in the PDP
The frantic mobilisation by a former member of the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, and embattled Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu appears to threaten the chances of Obaseki’s anointed candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Dangote Flour Mills Plc.
Ogbeide-Ihama has the backing of Wike’s points man in Edo state, Chief Dan Orbih, who had helped to facilitate Obaseki’s electoral victory before he was boxed into a corner by the governor, following a tussle for the control of the Edo State chapter of the PDP.
Orbih, who was Deputy National Vice Chairman (Southsouth) of the PDP, currently leads the powerful Legacy Coalition comprising old members of the party before Obaseki joined in 2020.
Also, Orbih has said there was nothing unusual about Obaseki’s visit to Wike in Abuja.
He said: “I was not invited by Chief Wike to be part of the visit. So, I do not know what transpired. I am aware that concerted efforts are being made by leaders of the PDP to forge a common front and ensure unity in the party.
“The visit of Governor Obaseki to Chief Wike is a good move, and not unusual. Let us avoid sensationalism. Do not forget that Governor Obaseki’s wife is from Rivers State.”
Also, the Acting Chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has told Obaseki that it will no longer be business as usual.
He urged Edo State residents, especially the electorate, to join the party to rescue the state from the alleged mis-governance of Obaseki’s administration.
Tenebe, who took over last week from the then Edo Chairman of APC, Col. David Imuse (retd.), who resigned to vie for governorship, addressed reporters yesterday at the state secretariat of the party in Benin.
He said: “A week ago, Col. Imuse resigned. As the Deputy Chairman of Edo APC, in line with the party’s constitution, I took over as the Acting Chairman. It is time for politics, as we are preparing for the February 17 governorship primary election.
“APC is a big family that believes in the rule of law, due process, and the people. That’s why APC was victorious during the 2023 general election.
“Obaseki must bear in mind that it is not going to be business as usual, particularly with the 2024 governorship election, which APC’s candidate will win.”
