Edo Gubernatorial Election: 5 Influential Forces That Turned Against Obaseki

Governor Obaseki faced major political challenges that weakened his position in the Edo gubernatorial race, including defections, opposition, and the withdrawal of crucial support

The Edo gubernatorial election saw a once-dominant political figure, Governor Godwin Obaseki, struggle against a wave of opposition from former allies and influential players in his political circle. While he secured re-election in 2020, several key forces turned against him this time, making it difficult to maintain his influence in the state. Here are five major forces against Obaseki in the Edo election that significantly impacted the results.

1. Nyesom Wike’s Withdrawal of Support

A crucial factor in Obaseki’s previous electoral success was the support of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State. Wike played a pivotal role in Obaseki’s re-election bid in 2020 after the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied him a return ticket. However, in this recent election, Wike withdrew his backing, leaving Obaseki without the powerful political machinery that had previously boosted his campaign. This was a major blow, as Wike’s influence was instrumental in rallying support during Obaseki’s earlier bid for office.

2. Philip Shaibu’s Defection to the APC

Another significant development was Philip Shaibu’s defection to the APC. Shaibu, who served as Obaseki’s deputy during the 2020 election, had been a loyal and crucial figure in securing the governor’s re-election. However, a deepening rift between Obaseki and Shaibu over governorship ambitions led to Shaibu switching allegiance to the APC. His defection, along with that of several prominent PDP members, eroded Obaseki’s support base, leaving the governor politically vulnerable.

3. Dan Orbih’s Opposition to Obaseki

Dan Orbih, former National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was one of the most influential figures behind Obaseki’s success in 2020. However, by the time of this election, Orbih had become one of Obaseki’s strongest opponents. Orbih refused to back Obaseki’s choice of successor, Ighodalo, and his influence in Edo North, especially in Etsako Central, significantly shifted votes away from the PDP. Orbih’s opposition was a turning point, as his faction, the Legacy Group, held considerable political weight in the state.

4. Anslem Ojezua’s Legal Challenge and Fallout

Anslem Ojezua, a former ally of Obaseki and the ex-chairman of the Edo APC, also turned against the governor after being denied the PDP governorship ticket. Ojezua felt sidelined and criticized Obaseki for neglecting those who had supported him in his 2020 re-election. Aligning himself with Dan Orbih’s Legacy Group, Ojezua played a crucial role in eroding Obaseki’s political base by mobilizing support against the governor’s camp and taking legal actions that complicated the electoral process.

5. Kabiru Adjoto’s Defection and Criticism

Kabiru Adjoto, the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, added another layer of opposition to Obaseki’s campaign. Adjoto defected from the PDP after falling out with the governor, following Obaseki’s decision to appoint Marvellous Omobayo as his deputy. Adjoto criticized Obaseki for failing to reward loyalists and accused him of mishandling key political relationships. His defection weakened the PDP’s internal structure and further fragmented the support that Obaseki once enjoyed.

Conclusion:

The forces against Obaseki in the Edo election ranged from powerful political defections to lost alliances and fierce opposition from within his own camp. Each of these factors combined to create an uphill battle for the governor, weakening his position and contributing to his struggles in maintaining dominance in the state’s political landscape. With key figures like Wike, Shaibu, Orbih, Ojezua, and Adjoto turning against him, Obaseki faced a challenging political environment that drastically affected the election outcome.