Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State’s backing of Asue Ighodalo’s governorship bid appears to be a threat, forcing the governor to initiate reconciliatory moves with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Ighodalo is seeking the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State in the February 22, 2024, primary election.
It was gathered that Obaseki’s peace moves were informed by the reality of a strong opposition from Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives and the preferred candidate of Dan Orbih, Wike’s key ally in Edo State
Obaseki’s decision to meet with Wike, his erstwhile political enemy, was just a necessary step he had to take to clear the way for his candidate since the minister appears to be gearing up for a political battle with the governor.
Although Ighodalo has expressed confidence in winning the party’s ticket, going into the primary against Ogbeide-Ihama and Obaseki’s deputy, Phillip Shaibu is viewed in Obaseki’s camp as a delicate game.
According to the deal offered by Obaseki, Ighodalo would be willing to pick Ogbeide-Ihama as his running mate.
A source privy to the meeting, stated that Obaseki sought “reconciliation” and apologised for previous misunderstanding between them.
But Wike, who apparently has been waiting for Obaseki, reportedly told him point-blank that he would not have any dealings with him because he is not known to have kept faith with anyone that assisted him in the past.
The Cable reported that he then demanded a “level-playing field so that the most acceptable candidate can win.”
Obaseki fell out with Wike in 2020 shortly after defecting to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and securing his new party’s governorship ticket to run for a second term.
He had left the APC after a face-off with Adams Oshiomhole, who decided to back Ize Iyamu, formerly of the PDP, in the 2020 governorship election. Of course, Obaseki won his re-election bid but fell out with Wike thereafter.
In the presidential primary of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general election, Obaseki backed Abubakar Atiku against Wike for the ticket.
It is not clear if Wike will accept Obaseki’s olive branch, which is said to be facilitated by the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri.