Obaseki’s Leadership Style Cost PDP Edo Gubernatorial Election – APC Chieftain Idahosa

Idahosa asserted that Obaseki’s inability to handle people, coupled with his perceived ingratitude, severely weakened the PDP’s position. He pointed out that Obaseki’s confrontational approach alienated party members and key stakeholders, ultimately splitting the PDP into factions—the Legacy PDP and the New PDP. Idahosa also rejected accusations that the election was rigged, maintaining that it was conducted fairly. He cited Obaseki’s failure to address major controversies, such as preventing 14 elected lawmakers from being sworn in, as a significant factor in the loss.

He further criticized Obaseki for ignoring local traditions, particularly by not taking PDP leaders to visit the Oba of Benin during their campaign, a move which the APC candidate’s team respected. Idahosa concluded that Obaseki’s widespread alienation of political allies made it impossible for him to secure the election victory, dismissing the PDP’s claims of unfair play as an attempt to justify the loss. He also emphasized that legal challenges are a standard part of the electoral process, noting that Obaseki had faced similar court cases in his previous elections.