By Ehi Ekhator
The governorship election to be held tomorrow in Edo State will mark a historic beginning and probably a brief hope for the hapless people if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerges the winner
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Ogiehor Ehis Tornado was the immediate PDP Youth Leader in Uhunmwode LGA
From Left to right. Sen. Uzamere, Edgar Atohengbe, Barr. Hope Iyare, Godwin Obaseki and Ogiehor Ehis Tornado
However, the atmosphere of such prediction is clumsy as there are many bad bloods in the party many of which were generated during the primaries where accusing fingers were pointed at party leaders who were alleged to have doctored the entire process.
Among the aggrieved candidates of the party is Chief Solomon Edebiri, a man who, with his popularity within the party and huge followers, thought would cling the ticket but was allegedly betrayed by the Edo State chairman, Chief Dan Orbih.
It could be recalled that during an interview with NAIJA CENTER NEWS, Edebiri had sworn to resist such intimidation, though without saying how. He had also stressed that as long as Dan Orbih is the party chairman in the state, he would have nothing to do with the PDP, a statement which is translated by many as “working against its party”.
To top it all, his loyalists, many of which are from Uhumoude have dumped the PDP and were received by Senator Ehi Uzamere, (another aggrieved PDP member who left his camp) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
An insider who spoke to NAIJA CENTER NEWS in anonymity said Edebiri does not leave his people behind, which means wherever they go, he would go. The insider also alleged that there is 90 percent chance that though Edebiri body remains in PDP, his soul will work and vote for the APC.
” I am 90 percent sure he will vote for Obaseki. All his foot soldiers in Uhumoude (his L.G.A) have moved over to the APC. Godwin Obaseki and Senator Uzamere as well as Hon Ativie personally went to receive them. These guys are the real big fish in APC and they do not move anyhow.
“The odds are very high that he will vote APC judging by the latest defections in his L.G.A. Those guys have been in PDP from inception. They convinced him to come to PDP hoping that if he gets the ticket, he will help launder the party and win the elections. Edebiri did not get it and the guys are angry. The Edebiri I know does not abandon his friends and associates. He is a team player. Yes I answer again, he will vote APC
“You do not know Edebiri. He follows his heart and do not care. He is a business man and does not rely on politics as a source of income. The PDP WILL NOT win his L.G.A no matter what.
“It is all over for POI in Uhunmwode. These are Edebiri’s men! I know them one on one. They were all members of Owere Dickson Imasogie team in those days. They are powerful grass root men. Hon Ativie must be the happiest person. They were her headache.
“The answer to your question is yes they believe Obaseki is a lesser evil than Osagie Ize-Iyamu.”
Another PDP source who also chose to speak in private said Obaseki may win tomorrow election. Making reference to the clip where Ize-Iyamu was seen saying Esama’s birthday will be hosted by the state government. The insider claimed that such statement did not go down well with many party leaders even though the party claimed it was edited by APC.
Secondly, the statement made by the former governor of Edo State, Chief Nosakhare Igbinedion during an interview with NAIJA CENTER NEWS has generated another doubt in the mind of many who believed that Igbinedion is preparing to take over the role of Chief Tony Anenih.
The source said ” It appears as if Obaseki will carry the day. The Igbinedion’s birthday slip by Ize-Iyamu where he said the Esama’s birthday will be hosted by the state government as from next year was a terrible slip.
“As much as the PDP tried to do some damage control that the tape was doctored, they have not till now be able to present what they called the undoctored tape. So that fell flat.
“Another silent problem is that former Governor Igbinedion gave another interview (with NCN). Some of my friends in Ishan believe he is been prepared by the Igbinedion to take over the leadership role of Chief Anenih. That may not go down well with the High Chief’s supporters.
“We have a situation were party leaders foisted their candidates on the public. Lucky was generally arrogant and un repentant in the interview. That interview went viral. The question is why has he suddenly found his voice?
Predicting the outcome of the election, the PDP insider said ” This is how people are going to vote.
1. Party members: 10 %
2. General public : 70 %
3. Aggrieved party members: 5 %
4. Aggrieved aspirants supporters: 5%
5. Undecided: 10 %
“Who ever gets the general public wins. Now, you must realize that ethnic considerations and other factors. The angry ones are very insignificant. No core Edebiri supporter for example will ever work for Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The National Leader of the PDP unlike before, has dropped his guard. Anenih is popularly known as Mr. Fix it but in this election, he is less motivated probably still suffering from the defeat at the federal level.
A PDP member who witness Anenih’s visit to Irrua alleged that there was no inspiration in his tone. It is gathered that the PDP, unlike before does not also have enough money to share at polling unit, compared to the APC who is at the helm of affair at both federal and state level.
“I just got off the phone with a PDP friend from Ishan. He is scared stiff. He said Chief Anenih came to Irrua and told people to vote peacefully and go home noting that he does not have the clout to effect the release of anybody who is arrested. He noted that the Chief did not inspire anybody.
“Another angle we almost forgot is the financial angle. Can the PDP match the financial war chest of the APC? I doubt. The PDP governors are silent and I do not see who can provide the needed funds. No PDP unit leader has been given a dime. There is no money!!!
“APC has a very effective way of distributing monies. As I speak to you, my wife told me a lady in the neigbourhood showed her two pairs of wrappers she got from APC plus N5000.” the source said.
The only consolation of the PDP at the moment is the desperation of the people to change the change. The frustration of the current situation in the country under the All Progressives Congress and some aggrieved members in the APC who are planning to also vote against Oshiomhole alleged stooge.
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