gladiators in the state, particularly those in the
All Progressives Congress (APC) file out today for
the governorship primaries of the party, ahead
the September 10, 2016 governorship election
in the state. It is a contest that is parading
powerful aspirants and that is why the tension in
the party is heightening. The aspirants who are
expected to file out today at the Samuel
Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, include:
- Dr Pius Odubu (Okakuo), the deputy
governor - Dr Chris Ogienwonyi, former Minister of
state for Works - Godwin Obaseki, chairman Edo state
Economic and Strategic Team. - Kenneth Imasuagbon
- Prof. Osarhiemien Osunbor, former
governor and senator - Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, former
Commander Army Finance Corps. - Blessing Agbomhere,
- Prof Federick Amadasun.
- Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, former deputy
minority leader, House of Representatives - Arch. Austin Ilenre Emuan
- Comrade Peter Esele,
- Mrs Agbarha Justina.
The aspirants to watch include Dr. Pius Odubu,
Dr. Chris Ogienwonyi, Mr. Obaseki, Mr. Kenneth
Imasuagbon, Senator Oserheinmen Osunbor and
Gen. Charles Airhiavbere. The campaign for
delegates has in the past two weeks, been
smeared by allegations of surreptitious purchase
of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs). Governor
Adams Oshiomhole broached the issue for the
first time last Wednesday when he met with
seven of the aspirants in a meeting with his
deputy conspicuously absent. The governor had
admonished them to see the primaries as a
brotherly one, reminding them to look at the
bigger picture.
However, Ogienwonyi raised the issue of
purchase of PVCs by some government officials,
adding that those perpetrating the act are
enemies who intend to rig the primaries. But
Prof. Amadasun and Arigbe-Osula countered his
claim. Arigbe-Osula recalled claims that some
aspirants had been paying some delegates in the
past seven months, saying that was also a crime
just like purchasing PVCs.
Apparently sensing that he was referring to him,
Ogienwonyi explained that he had not paid any
delegate rather, that he has used his foundation
to give out soft loans to indigent people. But in
his swift response, Arigbe-Osula did not believe
him and insisted that both those purchasing PVCs
and those paying delegates are all guilty. In his
reaction too, Prof. Amadasun Smart360news
learnt, described the actions of the aspirants as a
war strategy. However, Oshiomhole reiterated
his appeal to the aspirants and wished all of
them good luck.
Obaseki is enjoying advantages that have turned
into disadvantages for other aspirants. He has
the advantage of the backing of the government
and key political office holders. In the past few
days, both the Chief of Staff to the governor,
Patrick Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo) and Obaseki’s
campaign manager, Osarodion Ogie had been
working assiduously in the field to deliver
Obaseki. 930 members of Edo in Safe Hands led
by Ogie, who are APC delegates endorsed
Obaseki in a publication in Smart360news.
Oshiomhole’s field soldiers in Edo South
including his political adviser Charles Idahosa,
Lawrence Orka, Rev. Egharevba, Lucy Omagbon
and husband Harrison are all in the field battling
Odubu and Ogienwonyi forces. Saturday
Vanguard learnt that two meetings called to
persuade Odubu to step down for Ogienwonyi to
sharpen the attack against Obaseki collapsed as
Odubu described it as an insult.
Smart360news learnt that the meeting was
arranged by some Benin leaders in the party
supportive of Ogienwonyi’s ambition who are
worried that it would be difficult defeating
Obaseki with both men in the race. Oshiomhole’s
influence is sure to prevail for Obaseki in Edo
North given that it is the only district where the
APC won all National Assembly seats last year.
In Edo Central, Imasuagbon is strong in this area
which is his home base, but he will have to battle
the strong Oshiomhole and Odubu’s foot soldiers
in this area. Apart from that, he will have to
contend with Prof. Osunbor and Esele, who are
from this same district. And in this area, the
state chairman of the APC, Anslem Ojezua,
former Speaker of the state House of Assembly
Thomas Okosun, business mogul, Theo Okoh and
Chief Francis Inegbeneki are all working for
Obaseki.
Odubu has a strong politician in this area too,
Hon. Oibo, who will work hard to deliver Odubu
in this area. To give a boost to Obaseki’s
aspiration in this area, leaders of the APC led by
the state chairman, last Thursday resolved to
back Obaseki and appealed to the leadership of
the party to cede the deputy governorship slot to
the zone to the chagrin of Imasuagbon.
In Edo South with seven LGAs, the Benin believe
it is their turn to shine. This area is the battle
field. Benin land had for long been a fertile
electoral space for Oshiomhole, and he has
strong political allies in the area. The Esan
aspirants will have a strong challenge winning in
any of the seven Local Governments in Benin
land all things being equal. Odubu, Ogienwonyi,
and Amadasun will scatter the votes in
Orhionwom, but it will be tougher for them if
Amadasun decides to step down for Obaseki. If
not Odubu is expected to win this area.
In Uhumwonde, Charles Idahosa, Oshiomhole
Political Adviser is the political leader here, but
he is battling with the former House of Reps
member, Osagie, who is backing Odubu. Idahosa
and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly
Aitivie are expected to deliver the majority
votes here for Obaseki. Obaseki is from Oredo
and Oshiomhole has his staunch supporters in
the person of Lawrence Orka, Igodomigodo,
Egharevba and others who will deliver Obaseki.
In Egor, another battle field, Odubu has his
loyalists here just as Ogienwonyi but a member
of the state Assembly Crosby Eribo, who is
working for Obaseki, will slug it out with
Gentleman Amegor. Odubu’s problem will be if
he shares Egor with Ogienwonyi then Obaseki
will have the advantage. Ovia North East is Mrs.
Omagbon’s domain. She is known as the iron lady
a core supporter of Oshiomhole. The chairman
of the state Oil and Gas Commission Vincent
Uwadia is also from here.
As a result, Obaseki may not have much
opposition here. In Ovia South West, Harrison
Omagbon will be battling Chief Evbonnwa, who is
an ardent supporter of Odubu. This area seems
good for Odubu, but Harrison, who is backing
Obaseki will be hard to brush over.
However, in politics, it is said that it is not over
until it is over. Money will also play its role in
persuading the delegates so you never can say.
But in this race, Oshiomhole’s ruthless political
machinery which he has deployed to deliver
Obaseki cannot be taken for granted.
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