Esanland Endorses Obaseki
The battle between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State for the gubernatorial election took a new twist with the mammoth crowd that graced the PDP rally at Eguare Primary School Field, Irrua, Edo State.
Governor Godwin Obaseki visited the palace of the Ojirua and Okaigesan of Esanland, HRH Williams Momodu 11 and got the blessing of His Royal Highness for his second term re-election bid.
The traditional ruler commended the administration of Governor Obaskei for the works done in Ibhore Road, Idumabokhae Royal Palace Road, the building of Usugbenu Technical School, Usugbenu, Irrua; Oboh Anakaso Street, Eigbe Street, as well as in the entire Esanland.
The visit was accompanied with a colourful rally. Besides Obaseki, in attendance was his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu, Senator Clifford Ordia representing Edo Central Senatorial District; Mr. Agbodoli Stephen Ukokobili, A PDP chieftain in Edo Central and other party chieftains. With the weight of support from Esanland Godwin Obaseki will hopefully clinch the gubernatorial election in September 2020. Political analysts believe Obaseki would clinch the ticket for many reasons.
One of the key points is that Edo political block which comprises of Benin, Esan and Etsako is the key determinant for election victory in Edo State. Of the three blocks, Benin has had a share of governing the state for 12 years, Etsako for eight years. Esanland is yet to have a slice of the cake.
The Esan people thought it wise to allow Obaseki to finish his second tenure rather than to give power to the APC-led candidate Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu who is a Benin man to rule for another eight years. APC political forces ought to have picked a candidate from
Esanland in order to clinch the Edo gubernatorial election.
But instead they put their trust on popular identity and federal power as their political strategy to win the forthcoming election. Will this political strategy of APC yield the expected dividend? The forthcoming pool will attest to this political calculation of APC.
Insight at the rally organized in Esanland with the blessing of the Okaigesan of Esanland and his cabinet in attendance bear testimony to the endorsement of Godwin Obaseki by the people. This strategic alliance between PDP and the people of Esanland would lead to the emergence of a son of Esanland in the future after the successful tenure of Obaseki for second term. It is this political philosophy that is driving Esanland to throw their support for Godwin Obaseki as the chosen candidate for Edo 2020 gubernatorial election.