Charles Idahosa, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Edo State, has stated that his party may lose the governorship election in 2024.
He stated that the ruling party has no chance if it fields a candidate from Edo central or Edo north, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) fields Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from Edo south.
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Charles Idahosa, a former Special Adviser on Politics to Adams Oshiomhole, told reporters that all zones in Edo State should meet and discuss before the 2024 election.
In response to reports that Edo South is plotting to prevent an Edo Central politician from succeeding Obaseki in 2024, he stated, “That is a lie.” Can only the Edo South senatorial district produce a governor? We need votes from other parts of the state.
“The issue is that we need to sit down and talk. Edo South has the population, and we will pull weight anywhere we swing. But my joy is that I don’t engage in tribal politics; instead, I focus on individuals.
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“What makes Edo State beautiful is that no ethnic group in the state can trace its ancestry back to Benin.
“The strategic positions of the two major political parties, the PDP and the APC, will determine the 2024 governorship election. What do you want the PDP to do if the APC decides to run Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from Edo South again in 2024? If the PDP insists on fielding a candidate from Edo Central or Edo North Senatorial Districts, the party will suffer a humiliating defeat due to tribal sentiments. Both parties must be able to reach an agreement.”
Despite Buhari’s request, Oshiomhole refused to support Obaseki – Idahosa
Charles Idahosa, also revealed that Governor Godwin Obaseki has refused to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reporters, Obaseki is at odds with PDP leaders over the formation of his cabinet.
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The governor, who has yet to form a cabinet one year after his re-election, is reportedly under pressure from PDP leaders to appoint PDP members to key positions.
Idahosa told reporters that despite his disagreement with predecessor Adams Oshiomhole, the governor has refused to return to the APC.
He admitted begging the Edo governors to return to the APC, but Obaseki refused.
Oshiomhole’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Charles Idahosa, revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari had asked his former principal to give Obaseki the APC’s gubernatorial ticket, but he refused.
According to him, President Buhari never intended for Obaseki to leave the party for the PDP in 2020.
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Idahosa stated, “I begged him (Obaseki) to let us go back to where we came from (APC), but he refused.” He is uninterested.
“This is because I am dissatisfied with how we are treated in the PDP. To be honest, Obaseki never promised that if he won the election, he would rejoin the APC.
“President Buhari did not want him to leave the APC, but Oshiomhole pushed his luck too far. Oshiomhole advocated for direct primaries, but members of the APC’s Edo State executive advocated for indirect primaries.
“At one point, President Buhari told Oshiomhole to return Obaseki, whether through direct or indirect primary. However, Oshiomhole ensured that Obaseki was disqualified from participating in the primary.”
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