By Osaze Ikponmwosa
As the 2024 Edo State election process continues, events are taking turns and the heat is increasing day by day as the unsettled affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are beginning to give many stakeholders headaches, although, many are pretending all is well, the alleged bribes taken are beginning to unsettle bigwigs in the party, some National Working Committee members, headed by its embattled Acting Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, March 1, 2024, through its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, reminded the various political parties in the state to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List (Form EC9B) of their Nominated Candidates between 9am Monday 4th March, to 6 pm Sunday 20th March, 2024.
Recall also that the National Working Committee of the PDP has set up a “Reconciliation Committee” to bring together the critical stakeholders in the state chapter ahead of their September election. I was expecting Obaseki to tell the National Working Committee not to disturb themselves with that reconciliation move since he has all the critical stakeholders in his pocket of harassment, intimidation and bribery, and of course, he owns the structure that can bring on board his godson into the seat he’s vacating — not necessarily the chair, after all, Asue Ighodalo’s wife is a furniture merchant that will become the furniture supplier of the government house.
But, Obaseki in his deceitful habit is not only playing to the gallery, he is somewhere coming up with another plan to finally shut his most-dreaded foe now — Philip Shaibu.
According to my source in the governor’s office, the worst is yet to happen to the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu!
According to the source, GO won’t relent on DG’s matter as this is his last card. “I don’t think the DG can win this battle. GO is blocking everywhere possible and he’s even using blackmailing strategy to hold people back.”
“If this matter drags further than it’s expected, GO will use the state law to start attacking DG’s people. He’s surprised that the DG is waxing stronger than he thought and he’s not finding it easy seeing that the matter is taking longer than expected.”
“The next step now is to start attacking people linked to the DG with the mind that if their businesses are attacked, they will either talk to the DG to allow Obaseki to rest or stop supporting his cause. They have marked some businesses and they will start anytime soon.”
Asked if Obaseki will still fight Shaibu even if the DG wins in Court, the response of my source scared me.
“GO isn’t fighting for Edo state or Esan, he just doesn’t want Shaibu to be the governor and if Shaibu wins on the court, he will pretend to agree but will not give him any support. But for now, it’s operation attack Shaibu’s allies properties and businesses.”
One would have wondered what could be Shaibu’s offence to Obaseki to this length, but as they would say, a bad man alone can say what the cause of his wickedness is.
Fingers are crossed as we anticipate the March 14 judgement on the authentic delegates for the PDP primary.
