Battle For Edo: Edo South And Central To Compete For APC Ticket As Edo North Secures Ministerial Slot

Battle For Edo: Edo South And Central To Compete For APC Ticket As Edo North Secures Ministerial Slot

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

The recent ministerial list unveiled by the Senate President has introduced a significant development in the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election scheduled for next year. Before I proceed, it’s important to clarify that the following statements represent my personal opinion, and I cannot be held responsible for how you interpret them.

The inclusion of Abubakar Momoh from Etsako East as the ministerial nominee effectively designates the ministerial slot to Edo North. As a result, the implication for the Edo elections is that Edo South and Edo Central have emerged as the top contenders for the APC ticket.

For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of politics, let me elaborate on the significance of this development. The ministerial nominee is expected to serve a four-year term in the federal cabinet, which effectively secures Edo North’s representation in that position.

With this slot filled, the focus now shifts to the Governorship ticket, which remains open for contention between the other two zones, namely Edo South and Edo Central. These two regions will now vie for the opportunity to claim the Governorship seat in the upcoming elections.

In terms of political arithmetic, Edo South stands out as the favored candidate due to its larger population, surpassing both Edo North and Edo Central. However, it’s important to note that Edo Central, which has been expressing concerns of marginalization, has not yet had the opportunity to produce even a deputy Governor.

Consequently, the APC has already overcome a historical barrier by potentially fielding a candidate from Edo Central for either the Governor or Deputy Governor position. As Edo Central has been lacking representation in these key roles, this development breaks the previous pattern.

While we extend congratulations to Edo South and Edo Central for becoming the frontrunners by default, the onus now falls on Edo Central to present a candidate with significant influence and popularity to challenge and defeat a candidate from Edo South, particularly if the opposition decides to nominate from that zone.

Since Oshiomhole’s first tenure, Edo North has been solidly in his control. I am aware that some readers might misinterpret certain terms used in this article, but I want to emphasize that my intention is to ensure that everyone on the streets comprehends the dynamics at play leading up to the elections.

Oshiomhole’s influence is expected to guarantee the support of Edo North for the APC. Even if the PDP and LP nominate their Governor and Deputy from Edo North, they would still face a significant defeat against the candidate backed by Oshiomhole.

It’s worth noting that this situation is beyond the concern of Oshiomhole, and if anyone takes issue with it, they should learn from his example of being kind, forgiving, and generous.

Therefore, APC has successfully broken the jinx by ensuring that either an individual from Edo South or Edo Central becomes the Governor. Consequently, Edo Central will undoubtedly feel a sense of inclusion in the forthcoming administration.

In this situation, the PDP finds itself in disarray, with Obaseki desperately holding onto a sinking party. The Legacy members, who are all followers of Wike’s political approach under the guidance of Chief Dan Orbih, are determined to utilize the power of Edo Central to impart a lesson to Obaseki.

Edo South now comprises a new group of voters known as the ELUUPEE, who mainly hail from the Obidient movement . These individuals exhibit a strong inclination towards non-political attitudes and often display hostility in political matters.

Their mindset seems to be one of “enough is enough,” leading them to seek a fresh approach by supporting a different candidate. While not deeply involved in politics, they can be influenced by emotional appeals and sentiments, making them potential targets to secure votes.

Regrettably, the ELUUPEE cannot assert exclusive control over Edo South as their influence is concentrated mainly in areas such as Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Egor, and certain parts of Ovia, which are predominantly urban centers.

In the rural communities of Edo South, traditional politicians still hold considerable sway, and the ELUUPEE must align and cooperate with these established political figures.

APC has taken an early lead in their efforts to reclaim Dennis Osadebe Avenue. Stay tuned to our news channels for daily updates, as we provide exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the highly anticipated upcoming elections in Nigeria

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.