Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, engaged in a strategic meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, seeking support for Asue Ighodalo’s bid for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Edo State.
The meeting, held at Wells Carlton Hotel, included Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who accompanied Obaseki. Asue Ighodalo, vying for the governorship in the February 22, 2024, primary election, faces stiff competition from figures like Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Philip Shaibu.
Obaseki’s move is seen as an attempt to navigate the intricate political dynamics within the PDP, particularly considering the delicacy of the primary against Ogbeide-Ihama and Shaibu.
During the meeting, Obaseki reportedly sought reconciliation with Wike, apologizing for past misunderstandings. He proposed a deal where Ighodalo would consider Ogbeide-Ihama as his running mate.
However, Wike, known for his straightforward approach, expressed skepticism about Obaseki’s alliance-building track record. The FCT Minister emphasized the need for a “level-playing field” in the primary to ensure the selection of the most suitable candidate.
This meeting adds another layer to Obaseki’s political journey, which saw him defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP in 2020. The relationship between Obaseki and Wike, crucial during his defection, later soured, especially after Obaseki supported Atiku Abubakar over Wike in the PDP presidential primary for the 2023 general election.
