Edo 2024: Why Omobayo As Deputy Governor Is key For September election

Edo 2024: Why Omobayo As Deputy Governor Is key For September election

By Osagie John

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s choice of Engr Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as the deputy governor who replaced the impeached Comrade Philip Shaibu has been adjudged as a significant political key in unlocking the potentials of Akoko-Edo in the September gubernatorial election……READ ALSO Edo 2024: Asue, The Kind Of Man I Want As The Governor Of Edo State

Omobayo is from Akoko-Edo, which has been neglected in the Edo State political equation for a very long time. It is Governor Obaseki that has brought some political relevance to the oldest LGA in Edo State by appointing some of its sons and daughters to key positions in recent times.

After series of consultations with critical PDP stakeholders in the LGA, the lot fell on Omobayo, who in 2023 contested for the House of Representatives under the Labour Party, LP. He is very popular in the LGA and comes from one of the largest ethnic groups, the Okpameris.

The calculation was very simple; since the old and new PDP in Akoko-Edo are intact and are routing for Dr Asue Ighodalo, there was need to court the LP/Obidient Movement in the LGA, which was won by the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the 2023 general election with a slim margin.

Secondly, with Akoko-Edo being recognized this way, the Owan people will be easy to court, they too, being marginalized in the Afamai politics. And the Owan people already have the Speaker of the House of Assembly so they are satisfied with the choice of Omobayo.

Another buy-in strategy of this approach by Obaseki, which has been adjudged as strategic, calculative and a masterstroke is that as a youth, 38 years of age, Omobayo signifies Obaseki’s believe in the youth and their demography in Edo politics.

No doubt, the nomination is a well hatched calculation reminiscent of other well thought out calculations by Governor Obaseki in the past. By involving PDP stakeholders such as Mrs Balogun(Mama PDP) Chief Fashanu, the Iyama of Okpe Kingdom, and other critical stakeholders, the governor has deepened his knowledge in taking advise from his political base, which is essential in maintaining political unity and securing electoral victories. The strategy also highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and consensus-building within party politics for the common good of all.

Another interpretation of Omobayo’s choice is that Obaseki has been able to establish himself as a governor who is ready to work with all established political structures within PDP and outside of it. It is a political acumen that is uncommon but necessary to navigate the complex web of local politics. By choosing a deputy from another political party with rigourous and adequate consultation, Obaseki has strenghtened his base in Akoko-Edo and Owan. So this decision, the dexterity of it, illustrates Obaseki’s growing pattern of political inclusiveness where decisions are made in unison with party stakeholders to court members outside the party through appointments. This approach is capable of strenghtening PDP and its electoral prospects come September.

Conclusively, with this innovative political strategy of alliances, which are essential in politics, Obaseki has scored series of goals capable of wooing even the most ardent opposition.

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