Edo State ‘s main aspirant of the All Progressive Congress ( APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki ‘s voluntary departure from the party would improve his chances of becoming the state’s next governor.
This was disclosed by Mr Ize-Iyamu in an interview on Sunday. The interview was released one day at the primary election of the party in which a candidate would be chosen to represent the APC at the September government election.
When asked what he felt about Mr Obaseki’s defection from the APC to the PDP, he said: “Interestingly, only a handful of people are exiting the party with the governor. The majority of party members and leaders in Edo State are happy to see his back because he has been a major barrier to achieving peace and unity. He was going about suspending people, even local council officials, for not supporting him or adopting his combative stance. All of these people are excited he is out.”
“His voluntary exit has given room for talks and fence-mending in a conducive atmosphere. Therefore, I do not think it is going to have any negative impact at all. On the contrary, it has helped the party to sharpen its focus, put its house together, and rally loyal and committed members ahead of the election.”
Speaking further, Mr Ize-Iyamu said the disqualification of Mr Obaseki from the party’s primary was not because Mr Ize-Iyamu was anointed by any godfather but because the screening committee could not resolve the contradictions in the governor’s academic qualifications.
“Even he (Obaseki) did not appear able to. We were all witnesses to how a similar situation cost the party dearly in Bayelsa State, and as they say, once bitten, twice shy. The leadership of the party learned from the situation and insisted on a painstaking, objective screening of aspirants without any form of bias or prejudice. We reasonably were not willing to take risks, not least because of a man who was neck-deep in anti-party activities, is unpopular in the state, and nearly jeopardized the status of the party with his incompetence and intolerance.”
“I had, and still have, no problems going up against Godwin Obaseki. On the contrary, he has been the one running away from a fair contest. Everyone saw what happened in December 2019 when the Edo State chapter of the APC organised a rally to welcome me back ceremoniously. You saw how Governor Obaseki abused the powers of his office, passed emergency laws banning rallies and other legal gatherings, and deployed both security agents and thugs to deny our members and followers access to the event. He tried to block my return because he was afraid.”
He also boasted he would beat Mr Obaseki if he is running under the APC or any other party.
“Whether in the APC or any other platform, as long as the contest will be determined by Edo people, I am confident of victory against him. If you drive around the state today and feel the pulse of the people, you will understand why I am that confident. The verdict is out on Obaseki’s term as governor and in summary, the people are tired of his problematic leadership, which has focused only on personal battles and needless confrontations.”
When asked if it is comfortable to be seen as the loyalist of an Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Ize-Iyamu simply said that he has a good relationship with the embattled national chairman.
“I have a relationship with him that dates back to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, so it is understandable if some people think that, as a result, we may have a special relationship that gives me an edge.”
“However, the truth is that Adams Oshiomhole is a man of process and systems. In addition, like me, the other aspirants have worked with him in the past. In light of these past relationships, many people can be called his men. Dr Pius Odubu was his deputy for eight years when he served as Governor and they maintain a cordial relationship to the best of my knowledge.”
Mr Odubu and the former chairman of the Oredo Local Government Area and Osaro Obaze, are the two people who are eligible to challenge Mr Ize-Iyamu for the APC seat.
“So far in the Edo Governorship race, Oshiomhole, working through the National Working Committee of the party, has been led by the APC constitution and the ultimate goal of ensuring that the party emerges victorious after the election. That is his main objective to the best of my understanding.”