Ighodalo’s Cold War With PDP’s Campaign Council Set To Tear Party Apart As Obaseki’s Overbearing Influence Surfaces

Ighodalo’s Cold War With PDP’s Campaign Council Set To Tear Party Apart As Obaseki’s Overbearing Influence Surfaces

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in internal strife, as tensions rise ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election. The latest controversy centers around the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the perceived overbearing influence of Governor Godwin Obaseki on the campaign council. This friction is threatening to tear the party apart at a crucial time.

Recent investigations reveal that Ighodalo is increasingly uncomfortable with what he perceives as a hijack of the campaign structure. Allegations suggest that key participants within the campaign council are not aligning with the candidate’s interests, causing significant friction.

One notable flashpoint is Obaseki’s ongoing conflict with the Benin Traditional Council. This clash has reportedly alienated many voters in Edo South, traditionally a PDP stronghold, resulting in a severe backlash against Ighodalo. The campaign council’s perceived inaction in addressing these issues is exacerbating the situation, potentially jeopardizing the candidate’s chances of success in the upcoming election.

A close source disclosed that Ighodalo is concerned about Obaseki’s intentions, speculating that his actions might be deliberately sabotaging the campaign. This suspicion is fueled by Obaseki’s apparent disregard for the sensitivities surrounding the Benin Kingdom, which some believe is intended to embarrass and ridicule the kingdom on an international stage.

The party is also experiencing a wave of defections. Recently, a prominent party chieftain from Akoko Edo, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, resigned from the PDP and joined forces with the All Progressives Congress (APC). In his resignation letter, Bankole-Balogun cited actions and decisions by the current government that conflicted with his personal values and the core principles of the party, which he felt he could no longer support in good conscience.

This wave of defections has created further confusion and instability within the PDP. Obaseki’s insistence on controlling the campaign has not only alienated key members but has also led to mounting suspicions and internal surveillance, with reports indicating that a monitoring team has been imposed on Ighodalo.

Adding to the turmoil, rumors are circulating about the impending defection of Oredo strongman and grassroots leader, Rt. Hon. Ogbedie Ihama, to the APC. This potential departure, alongside the possible decampment of Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman South-South of the PDP, underscores the party’s deepening crisis.

Amidst these challenges, there are reports that Ighodalo has already spent over 100 billion Naira on his campaign, yet tangible results remain elusive. Many within the party fear that Obaseki’s strategies and internal conflicts are undermining their efforts, leading to a fractious and ineffective campaign.

In summary, the PDP in Edo State is at a critical juncture. The internal cold war between Ighodalo and the campaign council, coupled with Obaseki’s controversial influence, threatens to derail the party’s chances in the upcoming gubernatorial election. If these issues are not resolved swiftly, the PDP could face significant setbacks, potentially altering the political landscape in Edo State.

Osigwe Om0-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.