Obaseki blasts Oshiomhole, declares Edo election a ‘do-or-die’ battle

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has lashed out at his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, accusing him of poor governance during his tenure.

Speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in the Ekenwan area on Saturday, Obaseki claimed he had to “clean up the mess” left by Oshiomhole.

Obaseki warned that the upcoming governorship election in Edo on September 21 is a “do-or-die affair” for him and his supporters, vowing to resist any electoral malpractice. He said, “This election is do or die, if they do, we will die.”

Obaseki also accused Oshiomhole of disrespecting the people of Edo and neglecting issues like women’s rights, pension reforms, and youth unemployment during his time as governor.

The election will see Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) as the leading candidates. Although Obaseki and Oshiomhole are not on the ballot, political observers see the election as a proxy battle between the two.

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“When I took over office, our pensioners wore black on Labour Day but today they wear white. When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?

“This election is a do or die, if they do, we will die. Next Saturday by this time, vote for PDP to become the next governor.”

Electorates in Edo State will file out on Saturday, September 21, to elect the next governor of the state.

Asue Ighodalo of the ruling PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) are the major contenders in the governorship election.

Although Governor Obaseki and his predecessor, Oshiomhole are not on the ballot, many poll watchers believe that the election is a supremacy fight between the duo.