Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, turned against his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, despite the latter being instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Speaking during a debate on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio said: “The man you brought in as governor (Obaseki) has turned against you and against democracy.”
Responding, Oshiomhole said: “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 made Obaseki’s emergence as governor possible in 2016 against the wishes and advice of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The APC leaders had opted for his then-deputy, Pius Odubu, or another politician as a successor.
With Oshiomhole’s support, Obaseki defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Two years into Obaseki’s tenure, party leaders expressed dissatisfaction with Obaseki for not including them in his administration.
The issue got to Oshiomhole, whose peace effort failed as Obaseki vowed never to allow a godfather to dictate to him or blackmail him.
Obaseki’s declaration began the Cold War between the duo.
Before the 2024 governorship election, Obaseki had approached Oshiomhole to mend fences in the interest of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who eventually lost the poll.
