Situating Edo Politics And What The 2024 Gubernatorial Election Portends.

As of today, the political narrative of Edo state has a very high degree of influence in the developing democracy of the country.

It is no news that over the years, Edo state has witnessed not only trouble within, but externally from politicians who see the heartbeat as the junction that can divide the south if not handled with caution.

We saw the hands of the many external politicians in the last election that gave Gov. Obaseki his second mandate. It was a thug-of-war approach and the electorate floundered – grappling with whatever strand that could save the state from bloodbath and wanton destruction of property.

The people suffered and the people suffered! Mantras like “Togba”, “Edo nor be lagos” rented the air and one of them was because of the perceived influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in fact and by all means wanted to dislodge the sleeky Obaseki because of political indifference and conviction.

The people’s quest and zest to stand in defence of Gov. Godwin Obaseki was hinged on the imaginary belief of the coined narrative that the godfathers were out to take away the commonwealth of the people whereas, the Governor wanted to use the resources to turn around the economic system of the state. The campaign was intense so much so that it was almost taboo to be at variance with the narrative. The rest, as we say, is history!

In all, Senator Comrade Adams Aliu Eric Oshiomhole was the pointer that was to be slaughtered for his decision to oust Obaseki using Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the “ homeboy” to do the damage. Even though, in the previous election, he had ridiculed the personality of the “homeboy” so much that his political journey and future were in limbo.

Thankfully, the state has gone past it, but not yet Uhuru having Gov. Godwin Obaseki in the saddle of governance with all his demagogues, skirmishes with the high and low, abysmal and premeditated failure to deliver on his promises.

As we all know, the tenure of Mr Godwin Obaseki is winding down with angst and trepidation – not knowing what the political situation of the state will become, especially on an occasion such as this: where the Governor is forcing down the throats of the people, a person that he has nurtured. It is worrisome to imagine the monster he might have created because his crass political dynamism and leadership will obviously reflect on Dr Asue Ighodalo and further bring back the state to a retrogressive starting point.

To right the wrongs of the tumultuous seven years and still counting under the stronghold of Gov. Godwin Obaseki, this moment is a wake-up call to all and sundry.
The coming gubernatorial election should mirror the thinking of the electorate and reposition Edo state in the political status it once enjoyed.

A vote for Sen. Monday Okpepholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa is the panacea to the endless political squabbles, social disenchantment, damaging economic situation, odious interference with traditional matters and overall maladministration.