Edo: Obaseki clashes with Oshiomhole over godfatherism

Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, has vowed to end godfatherism in the state’s politics.
Obaseki stated this while hosting ward leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo local government area of the state.

According to him, he came into office to fight godfatherism, but is facing resistance from former Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, who he claims is “reneging on the mandate” .

Obaseki said: “Comrade Oshiomhole came to me, asking that we join forces to fight and bring an end to the practice of godfatherism in the state.
“The partnership helped us in changing the narrative of development in the state. This led me into politics. I am into politics to better the lives of Edo people. We believed Oshiomhole and followed him to fight godfatherism.
“He said godfatherism is not good but today he is saying godfatherism is good. He said let the people lead but today he wants to lead the people, against their interest.”

Obaseki further expressed his confidence that he would secure the ticket of his party for a second term in office.
“I am in politics to improve the life of Edo people. We have done more in three years with less resources. Imagine what will happen in eight years,” he said.
“When they say I am a mosquito, I was never worried; I told them that mosquitoes can bite. The bite can cause malaria and if not well-treated, it can kill someone. Those bitten are already on life support but we pray they don’t die.

“The last time an incumbent ran for governorship in our party in the state, it was a consensus.
“It will happen again; we will all agree on consensus. Whether direct or indirect primary, you, the people, will vote. Our plan is on the election, not the primaries.
“God has continued to fight for us. All the strategies and antics against this government has failed. We will build this party and you will be the envy of all others who are not in our party but we are sure they will join us soon.”