Edo Guber: Obaseki Political Foes Gang Up against Ighodalo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, a new faction has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, has declared its opposition to the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, the party’s flag bearer.

Ighodalo, as the PDP standard bearer enjoys the support of the incumbent Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

But in a meeting held on Saturday by the Edo North caucus of the ‘legacy group’, of the PDP led by Orbih, said it will not support the candidacy of Ighodalo.

Speaking at the meeting, which was held at his residence, Orbih, a political ally of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nysom Wike, first rejected his appointment to the governorship campaign council, citing lack of consultation.

According to Orbih, “Nobody told me of any governorship campaign council membership in Edo PDP. I am not aware of it.”

Other members of the party also echoed similar sentiments, expressing their dissatisfaction with Obaseki’s alleged imposition of Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

They are the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, and the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

According to Shaibu, “The Edo people will not vote for Ighodalo because Edo State needs a home-grown person.”

Also, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, criticised the PDP’s management of its 2020 victory. He pledged to work with Orbih’s coalition in the upcoming election.

Present at the meeting was other top members of the PDP which includes former Presidential Aide, Jude Imagwe; former Commissioner in the state, Damian Lawani, and Fred Attah.

The faction’s emergence threatens to divide the PDP and potentially impact the outcome of the governorship race.

As at press time, a meeting of the group was ongoing in Edo Central senatorial district.