In a strategic move to secure support for Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has undertaken a series of political maneuvers. On the night of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Obaseki, seeking endorsement for Ighodalo’s candidacy, approached Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to facilitate a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, in Abuja, TheCable had reported.
The rendezvous as reported on Tuesday occurred at the Wells Carlton Hotel, with Governor Fintiri accompanying Obaseki and Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile a source privy to the meeting told this medium that Obaseki had during the meeting claimed that his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu was being sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Gbajabiamila. Obaseki urged against supporting Shaibu, asserting that he should not be trusted.
The source added that before this encounter with Wike, Obaseki had undertaken three secretive visits to Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by former governor Udom Emmanuel. In these meetings, Obaseki reportedly repeated similar unfounded claims, accusing Shaibu of being sponsored by Wike to destabilize the PDP in Edo State.
In a separate meeting with Atiku supporters within the PDP, Obaseki once again targeted Wike, accusing him of supporting Shaibu against him due to Obaseki’s allegiance to Atiku. These actions by Obaseki reflect a divisive strategy aimed at destabilizing the party for the benefit of his preferred candidate, utilizing questionable means.
Obaseki’s pursuit of reconciliation and Wike’s support stems from the formidable opposition posed by the current deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both preferred candidates of Dan Orbih, a key ally of Wike in Edo State. In a bid to win over Wike, Obaseki proposed a deal to have Ogbeide-Ihama as Ighodalo’s running mate.
However, Wike reportedly declined Obaseki’s overtures, citing a lack of loyalty on Obaseki’s part towards those who have supported him in the past. Wike insisted on a fair and level playing field to ensure the emergence of the most acceptable candidate.
With the race for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Edo State intensifying, Obaseki’s political maneuvering and reconciliation efforts highlight the fierce competition within the party. The outcome of the primary elections will undoubtedly shape the course of the PDP’s campaign leading up to the general elections, as Obaseki reportedly allocates substantial funds for printing party cards in the state.
