Edo election : We are too smart for Wike’s games — Gov Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has boldly declared that his political clash with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, poses no threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in this Saturday’s high-stakes governorship election.

Obaseki, while speaking during a heated interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissed Wike’s influence, stating that Edo citizens are too intelligent to be swayed by outsiders when deciding their vote.

Obaseki, who secured a landslide victory in 2020 with Wike’s backing against the Adams Oshiomhole-supported Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is now locked in a political feud with his former ally.

Wike has since refused to back Obaseki’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming election, but the Edo Governor is unfazed.

“Wike came to support me, but let’s be clear—Edo people aren’t fools. They don’t need anyone from outside telling them who to vote for,” Obaseki said defiantly.

He stressed that Edo voters are well-informed and capable of making decisions that will safeguard their state’s future. “Edo people know what they want, and they will decide without interference,” he added, dismissing Wike’s lack of support as irrelevant.

Obaseki, who has had his fair share of political battles with prominent figures like Oshiomhole and his estranged deputy Philip Shaibu, shrugged off the criticisms, saying some politicians dislike him because he’s been using government revenues to serve the people’s needs, not their own agendas.

“Do or Die” Showdown

Earlier in the week, the Governor stirred controversy when he described the election as a “do or die” affair, sparking outrage, particularly from the opposition. But Obaseki doubled down on his statement, clarifying that the stakes are life and death for Edo’s future if the APC regains control.

“If they (APC) take over, it’s game over for Edo. The level of lawlessness and impunity the opposition is bringing—it’s a fight for our survival,” Obaseki warned grimly.

He further alleged that the APC has hatched plans to rig the election, but he assured the public that Edo citizens will rise to resist any underhanded tactics. “They may think they’ve rigged the game, but the people of Edo won’t allow them to get away with it,” Obaseki declared.

As the election day draws near, all eyes are on Edo as the state braces for what promises to be a fierce battle for its future.