Edo 2024: PDP’s Imminent Failure In The Face Of Obaseki’s Pointless Fight With Shaibu

Edo 2024: PDP’s Imminent Failure In The Face Of Obaseki’s Pointless Fight With Shaibu

The impending Edo State election will undoubtedly capture widespread attention and discussion, regardless of whether one expresses support or opposition. This phenomenon will persist for the next ten months, and it’s not a matter of blame on anyone’s part.

Rather, it’s a testament to the complex and strategic nature of politics within Edo, where the intricacies of the political arena tend to dominate public discourse and attention for an extended period, so be prepared for Edo 2024 to flood your timelines.

Apart from the APC gaining an initial advantage, positioning itself as the party to defeat, the PDP, currently in power in the state, seems to be on a path toward inevitable failure. This outcome is primarily attributed to the unnecessary conflict between Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

Why is Obaseki choosing to fight his own deputy when there’s a crucial general  election coming up in less than a year? It’s essential to consider that after party primaries, the ultimate aim is victory in the main election. Think of it this way: Why spend all your energy and resources battling someone within your own team when there’s a bigger election to win? It’s more beneficial to save your efforts for the broader challenge ahead rather than getting caught up in internal conflicts.

Previously within the PDP of Edo State, there existed two robust factions: the influential Obaseki faction spearheaded by Governor Obaseki and Philip Shaibu, and the Legacy PDP faction under the leadership of Chief Dan Orbih. These factions held significant sway within the party, shaping its internal dynamics and wielding considerable influence over its direction and decisions.

The current scenario within the PDP reveals the existence of three factions at odds with each other. Considering this internal strife, can we realistically anticipate the party to emerge unified and robust following its primaries? The fragmentation within the PDP, where three factions are in conflict, raises concerns about the party’s ability to consolidate and present a united front after the primaries. This internal discord may undermine the party’s strength and cohesion, potentially jeopardizing its prospects for a strong performance in the upcoming elections.

Adams Oshiomhole, during his tenure as Governor, took a notably different approach towards his deputy, Pius Odubu. Despite Oshiomhole expressing opposition to Odubu, their relationship didn’t escalate into a bitter feud. The aftermath of this dynamic was evident after the APC primaries that saw the emergence of Obaseki.

Intriguingly, Dr. Pius Odubu, whether reluctantly or otherwise, extended support to both Oshiomhole and Obaseki, thereby reinforcing the leadership structure within the APC in the State. This strategic decision to avoid intense conflict despite differences contributed to a more cohesive leadership within the party, facilitating a smoother transition and consolidation of power.

Presently, Obaseki’s lack of support for Philip Shaibu isn’t just a matter of withholding endorsement; it extends to a comprehensive attempt to undermine Shaibu across various spheres—socially, politically, financially, and more.

The repercussions are apparent: regardless of whether Shaibu secures the PDP’s ticket, he’s poised to exert every effort to impede Obaseki and his favored candidate. This situation indicates that, irrespective of the PDP’s decision, the party has commenced its struggle from a standpoint predisposed to potential defeat.

What’s the rationale behind Obaseki’s conflict with Philip? What advantages does it offer the state governor if his aim is to secure victory in the upcoming state elections? Obaseki’s unnecessary battle with Philip might demonstrate a lack of political acumen, portraying him as a minor player in politics. It’s crucial for Obaseki to remember that his current position and influence stem solely from being the executive governor and nothing else.