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EDO2020 AND THE DIVISIVE POLITICS OF GODWIN OBASEKI CUM ESAN AGENDA

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Politics worldwide has been a game of interests. Power bloc makes negotiations to protect their collective interests under various nomenclatures ranging from pressure groups to tribal groups and in some cases national and international interest lobby groups depending on the level at which the politics is being played. Howbeit, the way one goes about political negotiations in a wider spectrum is quite different from when the politics is within a small family that shares the same bloodline. A family that is so interconnected whereby what affects one has a way of rubbing off on the rest, will definitely play its politics with so much caution as to maintain the peace and unity of the family.

As commonsensical as it might seem, it is quite sad that Governor Godwin Obaseki in a desperate attempt to retain power at all cost is ready not only to divide the united Edo family but to pull it down. This has become very obvious with his continuous use of the Esan Agenda and his delusory moves.
It is generally believed that it is public office holders who have failed in their given tasks who are prone to using tribal, religious and regional colourations to whip sentiments and garner sympathy that he or she hopes will translate to electoral dividends. There are little or no qualms about the negative consequences of the mobilization such primordial sentiments for narrow and aggrandized benefits. This is clearly the case with Governor Godwin Obaseki as he has been consistently busy jumping from one tribal agenda to another, trying very poorly to garner votes based on sympathy. This is the very same OBASEKI who before now had boasted that he had done marvellously well as the administrator of the state and was demanding an automatic return ticket which to him he clearly deserves.

The man demanding an automatic return ticket started off with the ‘Benin Agenda’, calling every Benin man against his re-election an anti-Benin. When that did not fly, he shifted to Edo Central, with the now infamous ‘Esan Agenda’, promising to handover the governorship to that Senatorial district. It is quite unfortunate that a leader that was elected to govern the entire state is today sowing seeds of disunity. By the way, to think that a man whose path to Osadebey Avenue nearly four years ago was negotiated and paved for him by his benefactor and immediate predecessor is now claiming to have the know-how and ability to “parcel out political positions”.

It is sheer deception, mockery and bad apprenticeship display. This is sheer straw-clinging politics.
For the sake of those who for political and selfish interests are publicizing the said agenda, I will not waste God’s precious time engaging you as you have your inalienable right to take a stand in a democracy. After all, that is the beauty of democracy; the minority will have their say, while the majority will have their way. But for those who are genuinely ignorant of the political intrigues and how negotiations work in a state with so much tribal diversities and different political power blocs like ours, I will try as much as possible to make the debate succinct and explicit for easy understanding.
Permit me to start with this short story.

A man who has a reputation of never keeping his promise was busy preparing food with wet firewood. The wet wood was giving him a tough time and those who previously joined him to prepare the food had abandoned him due to his greed and reputation for never giving others their portion after the food was ready. In a frantic effort to get the food ready without the help of his previous partners, he begged another person to join him with the promise that when the food is ready, he will give him a sizable portion. After the new partner agreed to join him in preparing the new meal, the new partner discovered that there were some leftovers from the previous meal. Though very small, the new partner then asked to be given a piece from the old leftover while the preparation for this new meal was ongoing. And then the man started telling stories of how that old meal was inconsequential and that the new partner should be patient and continue the work for the chunk of what was to come. Would it be wise for that partner to trust someone who has a reputation for reneging on his promises?

The story above clearly depicts the noxious baneful plans of Governor Godwin Obaseki towards the good people of Esan land. The man who is promising to give Edo Central his support in the 2024 governorship elections did not consider them worthy enough for the position of Chief of Staff when the position was vacant in the course of the ongoing political tussle. The man who at the peak of his dominance as the Governor of the state could not make Edo Central the speaker of a united and complete state House of Assembly is today promising to give what he has no control over.
If not for selfish interest and purposeful self-delusion, does it make sense to any logical mind that a single individual can promise an elected position? Will, he shut the people out from voting in the elections that will follow? Or is Emperor Godwin Obaseki planning to kill and maim every dissenting voice before 2024 in order to impose his candidate? That is assuming you believe the lie that he is considering keeping his promise as he cannot feign ignorance of the reason for the seeming support his deputy has given him thus far. It is an open secret, except for Obaseki and a microscopic few, who for glaring reasons would feign ignorance of the machinations of Philip Shaibu towards succeeding his principal. Perhaps, Philip Shaibu has retraced his ancestral lineage to Uromi. Then and only then would the Esan Agenda as proposed by them make any sense.

History is not destiny, but history has a way of repeating itself. Let us quickly run through memory lane and acquaint ourselves with what happened in the past when some selected few felt they had the powers to make decisions for the majority. In early years of the fourth republic, when the Peoples’ Democratic Party held sway both in the state and at Federal level, they boasted about their rotation agreement, without recourse to the consent of the masses in the matter. What happened the other time they imposed a candidate who was not only unpopular but also from a party that has performed woefully in the previous administration? The people came out en masse and voted for another candidate in a new and unpopular party and even went all out to defend the victory at the electoral tribunal. Has that lesson been forgotten so soon that the same political party wants to take the good people of Edo Central back to opposition politics?

Since he has failed to have a clear entrance to the region, Governor Godwin Obaseki is now trying to split the unity of the people by dragging the respected Uromi monarch into his political travails. The good people of Uromi and Esan land in general are not enemies of progress and therefore cannot be bamboozled by the tantrums of division thrown by the embattled governor and his sinking political expedition.
Edo state, in general, is one big family and we don’t need anyone to remind us of the rotation of the seat of governance as it is an unwritten rule. At the appropriate time, the masses will rally around a reputable son from Esan land with massive public appeal and robust goodwill and elect such a candidate as the Governor of the state.

As it stands today, we cannot support a Judas after watching him betray his political benefactors and supporters only to run to another party and suddenly becomes friends with persons and a political party that has scored his government below average. Let’s be clear, it is the performance of Governor Obaseki that is at the heart of this election. His new party, the PDP has spoken that he is a colossal failure as captured by the Edo State Government Performance Report the, former opposition party released.

Of course, lazy minds will be quick to jump on the previous electioneering of the APC against its current candidate, POI as enough campaign to hand over re-election victory to the incumbent Governor. Seriously? What was evident was that the APC and its immediate past Governor were good at electoral marketing – the rule is to make your candidate appealing and the opponent unattractive. Discerning minds should actually be interested in interrogating how the elected Governor has fared as per all the things he promised during the 2016 electioneering campaign. Yes, his current party, the PDP helped us, Governor Obaseki failed woefully.

We cannot forget in a hurry a wise saying in Esan land, which by literary interpretation means: “the cane used to flog the first wife is waiting to be used on the second wife. It is only a matter of time”.

The good people of Edo Central should, therefore, tread with caution and not allow ourselves to be used by someone who has built for himself a reputation of ingratitude. Whoever chooses to support Governor Obaseki from Esan land is doing so in an expression of his/her own fundamental human rights and not a collective decision of the sons and daughters of Esan land both at home and in the diaspora.

AKAHOME Osebhayobe writes from Irrua on behalf of EDO CENTRAL CONSERVATIVE FORUM (ECCF)

Politics

Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

…Dismisses Claims of Discontent Over Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate

 

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has assured the people of the state that he would run an all-inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.

 

Fondly called Yayi, the senator currently representing Ogun West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly made this known on Thursday, May 21, 2026, shortly after participating in the governorship primary at Pahayi, Ilaro Ward 1.

 

Speaking with journalists, Senator Adeola Yayi assured party members that he would not disappoint them if elected governor, pledging to deliver good governance while sustaining the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

 

According to him, “I want to assure the people that I will run an inclusive government and carry everyone along. It will be an administration that leaves no group or interest behind.”

 

The senator commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the governorship primaries, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and cohesion within the party.

 

Senator Adeola Yayi further expressed delight that the primary election was conducted peacefully across the state, describing the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise as a strong indication that the APC remains formidable and well-positioned to record landslide victories in the 2027 general elections.

 

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for sustaining the internal democracy for which the ruling party is reputed, while reiterating his readiness to run an open and inclusive administration.

 

Fielding questions during the press interaction, the Ogun State APC consensus governorship candidate dismissed claims that some aspirants were aggrieved over his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.

 

According to him, his emergence was not imposed on the party but was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders and party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state.

 

“I am not aware of any aggrieved aspirants over my emergence as the governorship consensus candidate of our dear party. The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party.

 

“Rather, it was the result of far-reaching consultations and agreements among stakeholders and leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of the state.

 

“To my knowledge, nobody was cheated and nobody was disenfranchised. I received overwhelming support at the Ogun State APC strategic meeting held at the party secretariat. Thereafter, I met with other aspirants, and we are all committed to working together for the betterment of the people of Ogun State”, he stated.

 

The senator, who was widely cheered across Ilaro metropolis, polled 3,023 votes at Pahayi Ilaro Ward 1, 2,601 votes in Ilaro Ward 2, and 2,419 votes in Ward 3. He later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Ward 3, where party members and supporters hailed him enthusiastically at every stop.

 

The massive turnout of APC members across polling units in Ogun West, and indeed across Ogun State, was seen by observers of the scene as a demonstration of the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations among the people, without any form of inducement.

 

Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent

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Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries

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*Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries*

Charges Chinda to Be Magnanimous in Victory as a Patriot

The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors (RCA) has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its governorship primaries, describing the process as a shining example of political maturity and a departure from the state’s history of acrimonious contests.

In a statement signed by Comrade Jude Chuks and issued shortly after the declaration of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, the group praised the APC leadership and stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free exercise.

The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors, a prominent support structure aligned with the broader Rainbow Coalition political movement in the state, noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries reflects growing commitment to unity, dialogue, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We congratulate the Rivers State APC for conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful primary. This achievement underscores the maturing democratic culture in our state and sets a positive tone for the political season,” Chuks read.

The group specifically hailed the withdrawals of key aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, which paved the way for Chinda’s emergence, describing the moves as “statesmanlike decisions taken in the supreme interest of peace and party cohesion.

While celebrating the outcome, the Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors charged the new flag bearer to remain magnanimous in victory and demonstrate the spirit of a true patriot.

“Victory at the primary is not an end in itself but a call to higher responsibility. We urge Hon. Kingsley Chinda to extend a hand of fellowship to all other aspirants, stakeholders, and even those outside the APC.

“True leadership demands inclusivity, humility, and the ability to heal divides rather than widen them,” the ambassadors emphasised.

They further appealed to Chinda to prioritise broad-based consultations, youth and women inclusion, and the welfare of Rivers people in his campaign and future governance plans, noting his legislative experience and cross-party relationships as key assets.

The group, however, expressed optimism that, knowing Chinda’s antecedents as a seasoned lawmaker, bridge-builder, and consistent advocate for good governance, he will unify the party, foster inclusive development, and deliver people-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of all Rivers people across party lines.

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Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

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Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

 

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has issued a strong warning to dissidents within the All Progressives Congress, APC, that are spreading false reports about the House of Assembly primaries held Wednesday, May 20 across all the wards in the local government.

 

Supervising officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the immediate past Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, High Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Barrister. Azeez Oladapo Ninalowo as winners of Agege Constituencies I and II respectively. Egunjobi polled 10, 126 votes while Ninalowo scored 12, 455 votes. Both candidates had earlier emerged as consensus aspirants during a caucus meeting of the party presided over by Speaker Obasa last Tuesday.

 

Obasa spoke at the Agege Stadium earlier today, Thursday, May 21, as the APC faithful and stakeholders converged in their thousands to affirm incumbent deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus candidate of the party in the 2027 governorship election.

 

Speaking on the outcome of the primaries, Obasa declared: “We’ve done everything according to the dictates of the party. Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat is our governorship candidate. Senator Idiat Adebule is our candidate in the Lagos West Senatorial District, and Mudashiru Obasa is the candidate for Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Collectively, we have decided and we are standing by the decision of our members.”

 

He commended INEC and security agencies “for helping us to have a free, fair, and transparent exercise devoid of violence and disorderliness.” The Speaker also praised party members for their loyalty and steadfastness, stating: “Agege is always here for the party. We are always present. When you are a member of a party, you should always participate in all its activities. Why will anyone who isn’t here claim to be part of us?

 

“You can’t be absent from all primaries and still claim that you are with us. We have conducted House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, and Governorship primaries, yet some disgruntled party members have consistently stayed away. It is not possible. They are not part of us.”

 

Further, Obasa said: “We should be mindful of the people we send to represent us in any position. If they disregard us, we will wait until their tenure expires and remove them. The beauty of any political structure is continuity. Agege remains a shining example of a well-structured political organisation at the local government level.

 

“Nothing was done by subterfuge; everything was done in the open. INEC, DSS, Police, the media, and party leaders were all present. There’s nothing to fear. If anybody is initiating fake reports, let them continue. Anybody who has a problem should go and challenge the result in court. After the general election, maybe they will wake up,” he added.

 

With Hamzat’s candidacy sealed and Obasa drawing a hard line against internal dissent, Agege has sent a clear message: the APC’s fortress stands on loyalty and discipline, and those unwilling to march in step will be left behind as the party advances toward 2027.

 

Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate

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