What’s next for Godwin Obaseki?

The Edo State gubernatorial election has come and gone. Following the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki, all talks and theatrics are now over.

There has been a show of sportsmanship from the losing side. The All Progressives Congress (APC), congratulated the winner which is a positive sign that our democracy is growing, as losers are able to accept defeat and move on.

What caught many unawares was the viral video of former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole who backed the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu against Obaseki. 

Oshiomhole accepting that “you win some and lose some” is a clear message for all political jobbers to note. 

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The President’s Role

President Muhammadu Buhari on his part played a fatherly role by not interfering in the poll and its outcome; allowing the people to choose who to govern them.

In his victory speech, Obaseki lauded the President for his transparent role in the electoral process. Buhari has done this as well concerning elections lost by either of the parties. The President also gave the judiciary the freehand to perform its function without threats over election matters.

In a show of respect, Obaseki and his deputy recently visited the Aso Rock to pay homage to the President. This is a good example of how politics should be done. The act of the President was devoid of any partisanship as he guides the country’s democracy with care.

Godwin Obaseki and ‘Edo No Be Lagos’

The campaign of Obaseki birthed the phrase “Edo no be Lagos”. This is an apparent reference to Lagos politics.

Most have said that it is former governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu that selects who governs the state. This became a huge debate after the emergence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

His predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, had issues with the APC leader, and they couldn’t reconcile. The emergence of Sanwo-Olu as the party flagbearer shows the weight Tinubu carries in the centre of excellence.

Read also: Obaseki, Desmond Elliot, and ‘Godfatherism’

Some believe that his version of godfatherism is modern. Subsequent administrations have continued to follow his blueprint in the management of state affairs.

This seems to work for Lagosians but Edo people won’t accept that on their turf. They did the talking at the polls and made it clear that they do not want Oshiomhole to become the Tinubu of Edo.

Will Obaseki return to APC?

It is alleged that Ize-Iyamu has urged Obaseki to return to the APC. However he has denied saying so in a counter statement.

Leaving the PDP for APC makes his integrity questionable. However, following the meeting with the President on Friday, Obaseki foreclosed on the idea of returning to the ruling party which had given him the first term ticket.

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Obaseki’s Final Term Promise

Now that Obaseki is about to start his final term, the people of will be watching him closely to see that he does not make himself another political godfather. 

Obaseki laid himself bare and said that should he try to do so, he must be dealt with accordingly. 

All that is left for Obaseki is to bring good governance to the doorsteps of his people. His style of governance must improve the lives of the electorate.

Can he achieve that without external control from the powers that be? Time will tell.