Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticized Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for allegedly turning against his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, despite Oshiomhole’s key role in Obaseki’s rise to power.
During a debate on the Senate floor, Akpabio remarked: “The man you brought in as governor [Obaseki] has turned against you and against democracy.”
In response, Oshiomhole clarified: “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him, just the way you supported Governor Udom.”
Oshiomhole played a crucial role in Obaseki’s emergence as governor in 2016, going against the advice of some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who had favored his then-deputy, Pius Odubu, as the successor.
With Oshiomhole’s backing, Obaseki won the governorship election by defeating Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
However, two years into Obaseki’s tenure, party leaders became discontent with him for excluding them from his administration, leading to a fallout. Despite Oshiomhole’s attempts to mediate, Obaseki resisted, declaring that he would not be controlled or blackmailed by any political godfather, sparking a cold war between the two.
Before the 2024 governorship election, Obaseki reportedly sought reconciliation with Oshiomhole to support his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who ultimately lost the election.
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