By Anne Agbi
The Edo Unity League, a socio-cultural organization in Edo State, has attributed the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to the “vindictive politics and unpopular policies” of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, emerged victorious in the September 21 election.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Arch. Agbado Oboneyaen, the League emphasized that Obaseki’s strained relationship with the political elite and his perceived insensitivity to the concerns of the people led to the PDP’s downfall.
It reads: “Anyone with an understanding of the internal discord within the PDP, particularly the opposition from founding members against the outgoing governor, could have predicted Senator Okpevbolo’s victory. It was not a surprise but rather the culmination of clear and inevitable factors.”
The group highlighted that in Edo South, the most populous region of the state, where Obaseki hails from, voters were disillusioned with the governor’s administration. “For many in Edo South, voting for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was seen as endorsing Obaseki’s administration, which they perceived as vindictive and tyrannical,” the statement added.
Oboneyaen noted that the people of Benin felt that Obaseki’s governance style attempted to institutionalize a culture of retribution, with royal figures and notable community members often targeted unfairly. “There was a growing sentiment that the governor’s actions, such as the arbitrary revocation of Certificates of Occupancy from prominent local entrepreneurs in favor of his allies, many of whom are based in Lagos, were harmful to the community’s interests.”
He added: “The people of Benin were deeply aggrieved, feeling that their culture and heritage were under attack. They did not need financial incentives to reject the PDP. In fact, the electoral score attributed to the PDP in this election seems surprisingly high and undeserved.”
In Edo Central, the group said it was a clear choice between a familiar figure and an outsider. “Sen. Monday Okpevbolo is seen as a son of the soil with a strong commitment to community development, respect for traditional institutions, and a reputation for empathy. The people rallied behind him with overwhelming support, unprompted by financial incentives,” the statement explained.
In Edo North, voters reportedly felt betrayed by Obaseki’s treatment of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, a key figure in the region. “The betrayal of Oshiomhole by the outgoing governor was seen as unforgivable, and voters sought to express their disapproval by overwhelmingly supporting the APC.”
Summing up, the League concluded: “Asuen Ighodalo was burdened by the baggage of the outgoing governor’s actions. The election result was a clear message from Edo people to Obaseki – that integrity and goodwill matter in leadership.”
Peoplesmind