Asue Ighodalo Breaks Ranks With Osarodion Ogie Amid Growing Tensions In PDP Leadership

Asue Ighodalo Breaks Ranks With Osarodion Ogie Amid Growing Tensions In PDP Leadership

The cracks within the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have deepened as the gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, finds himself at odds with his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, over issues of trust and leadership. The latest fallout centers around Governor Godwin Obaseki’s influence on party decisions and the refusal to sign the much-anticipated peace accord ahead of the Edo gubernatorial elections.

The controversy began with the disbandment of the Edo Security Network, a force where Governor Obaseki allegedly added over 11,000 recruits to the local vigilante group. Critics argue that this recruitment was part of a larger scheme to manipulate the upcoming election. The sheer scale of the recruitment, combined with accusations of its true purpose, left Asue Ighodalo deeply unsettled. Many believe that once the plan was uncovered, it backfired on the Edo State Government, tarnishing the PDP’s credibility and raising serious concerns about Obaseki’s methods.

For Ighodalo, the refusal to sign the peace accord is a deliberate attempt by Obaseki to jeopardize the PDP’s chances at the polls. He reportedly views this as a reckless move that puts the party in a defensive position and makes them look guilty in the eyes of the public. In his eyes, refusing to join other parties in signing the accord signals an unwillingness to commit to a peaceful election—something that could have long-term consequences for the party’s image.

At the heart of this rift is Ighodalo’s growing frustration with his running mate, Osarodion Ogie. Despite being a seasoned player in Edo’s political landscape, Ogie has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail, leaving Ighodalo feeling unsupported. Ighodalo has accused Ogie of failing to rein in Obaseki’s hard stance, blaming him for not using his longstanding relationship with the governor to steer him toward more strategic decisions.

Ogie’s silence during these critical moments has only fueled speculation about his role in the campaign. Having been a key figure in government circles since the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole, many expected Ogie to be a guiding force for Ighodalo. Instead, his apparent disengagement has led to accusations that he is playing a spoiler role—deliberately or inadvertently undermining Ighodalo’s chances by refusing to address Obaseki’s divisive strategies.

For Ighodalo, this lack of unity within the PDP is deeply troubling. With his chances of winning already compromised by Obaseki’s mishandling of the security force issue and the refusal to sign the peace accord, he sees Ogie’s passivity as the final blow to a campaign struggling to maintain momentum.

In a political race where perception is everything, the disunity within the PDP is painting a picture of a party at war with itself. While the APC seems to be capitalizing on its momentum, the PDP is left to deal with internal strife and questionable decisions from its leadership. As election day approaches, one thing is clear: Asue Ighodalo is not only fighting against his opponents but also against the very forces within his own party.

Unless Ogie and Obaseki can get on the same page, the PDP risks losing more than just the election—it risks losing its credibility as a party capable of leading Edo State. The question remains: can Ighodalo navigate these turbulent waters, or will internal divisions sink his campaign before it ever has a chance to set sail?

Precious Adaeze Julius writes in from Benin City.

Source iReporteronline.