MUCH has been written about the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State while more are still being penned in attempts to situate the issues and actors in their rightful place. While that is conformity with the right practices in every democratic setting, one is inclined to say that of the angles of the numerous articles seen so far, little attention is being given to the fresh ideas the actors have brought to the race.
These are very important and key having our dream of mobilising support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, because the electorate deserves to be abreast of issues. Another factor is the propriety in reminding the people especially the supporters of our governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole , his deputy and even critiques how these men have refined the race. By so doing, the race has become a significant reference point in Nigeria today.
Remarkably, through the display of perseverance and commitment, by these men in handling what could have marred the party’s chances, the Edo race has become largely issue-driven. The result is that the electorate are daily being told what they crave to relating the future of the state as promised by most of the candidates.
Such, would not have been possible without the apt resolution of the intra-party squabbles that trailed how our amiable candidate emerged. The story is worth telling, so that the supporters of the APC would appreciate that the party offers the best as far as this race is concerned. Lives were not lost, houses were not burnt and the party was not shredded. The factors that worked centred on the interest of the state beyond every other concern.
This story is worth telling so that we don’t lose sight of the harmless investments we have made at ensuring that Edo does not go back to those, who grounded it.
After Obaseki’s emergence in accordance with the wishes of our people, he impressively made frantic efforts to meet with Odubu twice and the party leader did not fail to express his displeasure about how badly he was allegedly treated with his followers during the build up to the primary. Obaseki also met with Ogienwonyi but disclosed his difficulties in speaking with Imasuagbon who left the state immediately after the shadow election. But Oshiomhole was particularly worried about the seeming aloofness of his deputy who is equally a foundation member of the APC, in the affairs of the party.
There was this anxiety in the APC due to the situation of the deputy governor. There was this belief that if he was not appeased before the election, the victory of the party may be hanging in the balance. Obviously the PDP was watching the situation very keenly, hoping the gulf between Odubu and the APC deepened so as to capitalize on it to hit the party, particularly in Edo South. The Orhiomwon-born politician is a grassroots man and capable of inflicting a devastating blow on the ambition of Obaseki if taken for granted. Oshiomhole, who recognized this fact, went after him.
Oshiomhole was said to have approached one of the veteran politicians in Ovia South West, Mr. Evbuonwan, to help bring Odubu to the table for discussion. The meeting between the trio and a few others, including the Director General of the Obaseki Campaign Organisation, Osarodion Ogie, culminated in another one with select APC leaders across the three senatorial districts.
It was at thIS meeting that the governor and his deputy addressed journalists together for the first time since the primary election of the party. The peace accord was sealed and it was jubilation inside the hall by APC leaders. This narrative tells us that great sacrifices have been made for the party to emerge victorious. Therefore, as September 10, 2016, date for the poll approaches, every Edo man must put the state above personal or group interest for the ultimate price which is victory.
- Ugbodu, a former Local Government Councillor, writes from Uromi