Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, has declared that Governor Godwin Obaseki is now politically irrelevant following the recent governorship election.
This bold statement came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, securing 291,667 votes.
Obaseki’s chosen candidate, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), managed to secure only 247,274 votes.
In an interview on the television program ‘Politics Today,’ Oshiomhole said, “I guess he’s politically dead. I know so. The verdict is out.”
His comments underscore a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Edo State, where Obaseki has faced increasing scrutiny since his election campaign began.
Criticism of Obaseki’s Actions
Oshiomhole did not hold back in criticizing Obaseki’s behavior during the election process.
He questioned why the sitting governor chose to visit the INEC office in the early hours of Sunday, just as results were about to be collated.
“How can a sitting governor go to a collation centre? To intimidate or possibly influence the results?” he asked.
Obaseki defended his actions, stating that he went to the INEC office to understand why the collation of results had not yet begun.
Oshiomhole also recalled Obaseki’s controversial statement that the election was a “do-or-die affair.”
“Now, the people have done it,” he remarked, implying that the voters have made their choice clear.
Oshiomhole’s comments suggest that Obaseki’s aggressive approach to the election may have backfired, leading to his current political downfall.
Oshiomhole praised the newly elected Okpebholo for his ability to communicate effectively with the electorate, despite criticisms about his fluency in English.
He stated, “When a man goes to a village and speaks his dialect, he has more impact on those communities.”
This highlights a significant aspect of political campaigning in Nigeria, where local dialects can often resonate more with voters than formal language.
The senator characterized the governorship election as “free and fair,” reinforcing the legitimacy of the results announced by INEC.
He criticized the media for overstating the importance of candidates’ appearances on television, asserting that local communication is often more impactful.
The Edo governorship election took place on September 21, 2024, and the stakes were high.
Obaseki, who was seeking re-election, had endorsed Ighodalo as his successor, creating significant expectations among his supporters.
The election saw a fierce battle between the APC and PDP, with both parties vying for control of the state.
Following the election results, Oshiomhole’s comments have sparked discussions across political circles in Edo State.
Supporters of Obaseki have expressed disappointment, while those aligned with the APC view this as a significant victory.
The public reaction has been mixed, with many citizens acknowledging the need for a change in leadership.
One resident stated, “It’s time for new ideas and new leadership. The people have spoken.”
Others remain loyal to Obaseki, feeling that he has worked hard for the state.
As Edo State moves forward from this election, the implications for Obaseki and his political career remain uncertain.
Many are watching closely to see how he will respond to this setback.
