With the reported endorsement of Pastor Osaze Ize Iyamu by the Edo People’s Movement (EPM) the factional arm of comrade Adams Oshiomole’s All Progressive Congress Party, the die is cast. As it seems, the road to conducting two primaries in the forthcoming APC Edo primary has been blown open. The reason is because the incumbent governor, His Excellency Mr Godwin Obaseki is not likely to budge and throw in the towel.
The indication for two primaries emerged last night when the Oshiomole faction boldly endorsed Pastor Ize Iyamu as the party’s flag bearer and urged every card carrying APC member in Edo State to rally behind him. The arrowhead of the endorsement, one kabaka, a known apostle of the “stomach infrastructure” mantra, who has been a thorn in the flesh of the incumbent governor minced no words when he declared that for them, Obaseki is now history. Extolling the virtue of Ize Iyamu, the said Kabaka, very popular in the streets, said he is the most preferred candidate because he is flexible, accessible and understanding.
He blasted governor Obaseki for his stingy attitude adding that no government is run the way Obaseki does. But in a swift reaction, the South -South Professionals Edo State chapter condemned the actions of comrade Adams Oshiomole’s Edo People’s Movement calling them charlatans and ingrates. The professionals under their esteemed leader Chief Jones Ogwumike carpeted Oshiomole for embracing jungle politics and seeking to destroy the very fabric of democracy in Edo State with his brand of politics. The group lambasted Oshiomole for attempting to use his position as the national chairman to oppress Obaseki expressing disappointment that politics has been turned upside down since he was handed the position. “You can see clearly that these people are after themselves and their stomach”, charged Ogwumike. “This type of politics is reminiscent of the 60’s which resulted to operation “wetie”, and that is what they are trying to replicate”, he told our reporters.
Chief Ogwumike lamented that sadly, no credible leader in Nigeria is able to call Oshiomole to order. “This is very bad and a threat to our democracy”, he added. However, reports reaching our news desk from Benin-City indicates that Obaseki has dug in and willing to run the full course of the battle. The report say he is banking on the “approved” delegates lists drawn from the recognised party structure which is sternly under his grip.
“But you that these people are lawless and they are coming with the support of the national leader of the Party himself”, disclosed an observer of the recent developments. “When they want you out, they will, and do anything to crush your resistance”, he said. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost for Obaseki. Should the two primaries remain controversial, the PDP would ultimately reap the fruits and emerge winner; if not, the courts would disqualify the APC from taking part in the election proper.
