- Bids APC, the President farewell
By Madu Onuorah
In 2012, then Governor of Edo state Comrade Adams Oshiohmole afraid that the then ruling Peoples Democratic Part (PDP) might sweep him away using federal might, went to the then President Goodluck Jonathan with an appeal: Let one man, one vote count in the 19 September Edo governorship State election.
The true democrat President granted him his appeal and went further to even support him in other logistics way, notwithstanding his party difference.
President Jonathan was to respond to his angry party members saying that it’s the people of Edo who will determine who rules their State, not him the President.
When Governor Oshiohmole won the election he declared President Jonathan a true democrat and an apostle of one man one vote.
Global Upfront Newspapers (GUN) gathered exclusively that the embattled Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obasaeki on Tuesday took similar request to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja concerning the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in the State.
Governor Obaseki who was disqualified at the weekend by Comrade Oshoimhole led APC against the wishes and desires of most party members sought the understanding of the President to leave the party and seek means of realizing his second term dream in another party.
He also assured the President of his continued support and loyalty but requested that he the President deactivates all federal might during the election and let the peoples’ vote count.
What cannot be easily determined yet is whether President Buhari, like Jonathan, will keep to his words and allow the votes to count at the election.
More than half of the members of the APC forum of Governors are still sympathetic to Governor Obaseki and have wished him well and encouraged him to fight on and not allow the disgrace on him to stand.
Meanwhile all is now set for Governor Obaseki, his deputy and other critical heads of the APC in the state to dump the party and join the main opposition PDP.
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Anthony Aziegbemi, based on fruitful discussions so far on Monday with the Governor told journalists in Benin City that Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, will formally resign from their party, APC, and join the PDP this week.
He said the duo will lead members of the APC, who support their bid to seek reelection on the platform of the PDP to the party.
“Governor Obaseki and the deputy governor have concluded plans to join us in PDP and they are welcomed,” he said.
Aziegbemi said arrangements were in top gear for Obaseki to register as a member of PDP in his Oredo Ward 4 of the party in Edo South Senatorial district.
Obaseki has been meeting with leaders of the PDP including state governors from the south south zone.
Comrade Oshiohmole had on Monday night led some members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC, to Aso Rock to meet with the President’s Chief of staff to defend their very unpopular decisions.
Meanwhile, Obaseki has formally announced his resignation and membership of the ruling APC just as he debunked allegations that his credentials were fake.
Obaseki, who was disqualified from contesting the party’s governorship primary election slated for June 22, announced the decision to State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.
He said he would pursue his ambition for second term in office on another platform.
Obaseki had on Monday said he would only disclose his next line of action after meeting the President.
Obaseki has been having a running battle with his predecessor and the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole.