Two days before the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, speculations are rife that delegates might spring surprise in terms of who they want to be their flagbearer in the September 10, 2016 gubernatorial election in the heartbeat of the nation.
By Kinsley Abavo, Benin City
The governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Edo State holds on Saturday June 18, 2016 in Benin City, the State capital, with all the stakeholders, especially the aspirants tying all the loose ends in their strategies to achieve victory on the day.
As the very important event approaches fast, political analysts are already looking at the factors that would determine who eventually gets the mandate of the majority of the delegates, and by extension the mandate of the people.
From the response of the different sources whose opinion were sampled by our reporter, the outcome seemingly would be difficult to predict against earlier predictions that the Governor’s support for one of the aspirants, Godwin Obaseki, would easily do the magic in his favor.
About 48 hours to the D – day, speculation of dirty intrigues which include the mopping up of delegates’ Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and keeping them in seclusion from reach by agents of certain aspirants, has rented the air.
Alltimepost.com gathered that Possession of delegates’ PVCs gives them the assurance of desired number of support they have to guarantee their victory at the primary.
The latest developments indicate that not even Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor’s choice will be able to emerge with a landslide victory as other contestants are putting up a stiff fight and resistance, wooing the delegates.
Consequently, according to revelation from reliable sources who preferred not to be named, Governor Oshiomhole and his camp have suddenly become so worked-up, resorting to last minute intrigues on the realization that his acclaimed creditable performance may not be enough to win the mandate of majority of the party’s delegates for his preferred and adopted political son.
This is premised on his soured relationship with majority of the party leaders whom in other words are referred to, as owners of the party, sources say.
Going down memory lane, they recounted how the Governor was adopted as Action Congress’ candidate in the 2007 election
by the party leaders.
But ironically, on assumption of office he was said to have systematically turned against them and rather not only pitched tent with those who never wanted him to be governor, but empowered them politically and otherwise.
In the run up to the primary, the Governor in his resolve to
ensure his preferred aspirant is accepted by the party leaders, and all members, had allegedly hacked perceived deviants in his administration, or outside it who would not succumb to his will to pave the way for the actualization of his ‘Obaseki dream.’
Their sin: they refused to be coerced into what they do not believe in – support the Obaseki governorship project. This certainly has caused some bad blood, with victims of his action alongside their supporters vowing to play the spoiler against him and have only been waiting for the right time which the party primary now presents, to strike.
“It is true that the Obaseki camp, spearheaded by the Governor, with the deployment of his foot soldiers on the ground, has money and incumbency power in its favor.
“But don’t forget that the Governor was adopted as a candidate in 2007 by the so-called owners of the party, whom he later turned around to abandon for strangers who were enemies yesterday and had worked against his governorship aspiration.
“Now, it is payback time and you must remember that the delegates are controlled by these abandoned party leaders. They would collect the money, and do the obvious and necessary; voting their conscience which may not be in favor of the Governor’s choice,” a source who does not want his name in print divulged.
Similarly, in the APC primary for both State Assembly and National Assembly election in 2015, most of the Governor’s preferred aspirants were rejected by the party delegates in spite of intense pressure from Osadebey Avenue.
This was again repeated at last year’s general election, that today, APC has only one senate member from Edo, and in the House of Representatives, just three members.
“No doubts, this is a pointer that the Governor’s popularity among the people has waned due to his character, actions, and policies they allegedly found questionable and not in their favor. Therefore, the Governor’s personality cannot influence the votes as it used to be in the past,” the source added.
Oshiomhole had been widely credited for good performance in the area of road construction, rehabilitation, renovation of schools, and re – invention of hope in the political process and re-jigging of governmental policies especially in the civil service which has led to growth of the State IGR from miserable N3milllion to N2billion,
N1.8billion monthly.
However, he has also been repeatedly criticized for often running a one man show, claiming to know it all, and not listening to advice just as allegedly been a tyrant.
Making the race tougher for him and his preferred aspirant, is the decision of the national leadership of the APC to put down its feet towards ensuring all aspirants are availed a level playing field devoid of any manipulation in favor of anyone.
Hence, the APC primary might just throw up a shocker, book makers predicts.
The APC governorship is very wide. Out of the 18 aspirants, 12 have picked the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms, sold at N5.5 million.
The only woman among the 12, Rita Agbarha had hers, free of charge. Others who picked up nomination forms include: the current deputy governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius Odubu, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, Major general Charles Airhiavbere (rtd); former Minister of States for Works, Engr. (Dr.) Chris Osa Ogiemwonyi.
Others are Blessing Agbomehere, Arch. Mrs. Tina Agbarha; Austine Ilenre Emuan; former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and Hon. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula
