Factors That Hindered The PDP Ffrom Winning The Edo State Governorship Election

By Pius Ade Babaleye Pab

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has faced significant challenges in Edo State, resulting in the party’s struggle to secure a win in the governorship election. A major contributor to this situation is Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose tenure has been riddled with internal political battles and conflicts with various influential figures. Below are some key factors that hindered the PDP’s chances of success in the state:

1. Obaseki vs. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
   Governor Obaseki’s clash with prominent APC leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a significant political battle that marked his tenure. Tinubu’s influence in the South-West region and beyond extends to Edo, and the slogan “Edo is not Lagos” was popularized to resist what was perceived as external control. This conflict alienated powerful APC loyalists who could have swayed votes in the election.
2. Obaseki vs. Philip Shaibu
   One of the most damaging conflicts was with his own deputy, Philip Shaibu. The fallout between Obaseki and Shaibu, culminating in attempts to impeach the deputy governor, sent negative signals to the electorate and weakened the cohesion within the PDP. This division created a sense of instability and distrust within the party’s leadership.
3. Obaseki vs. Adams Oshiomhole
   The feud between Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, was another major factor. Oshiomhole, a former governor and powerful political figure in Edo State, was instrumental in Obaseki’s rise to power but later became a fierce opponent. Their public clashes divided the political landscape, with many loyal to Oshiomhole rallying against Obaseki’s candidate.
4. Obaseki vs. the Oba of Benin and Palace Chiefs
   The reported conflict between Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, as well as palace chiefs, stirred discontent among traditional leaders and their followers. Rumors of Obaseki planning to split the Benin Kingdom into multiple entities created tension with a revered institution, leading to a loss of support from critical sections of the Benin people.
5. Obaseki vs. Dan Orbih
   Dan Orbih, the National PDP Vice Chairman (South-South), also had a tense relationship with Obaseki. This internal wrangling weakened the PDP’s structure in the state. Orbih, a key party figure, felt sidelined after Obaseki joined the PDP, further deepening divisions within the party and reducing its electoral chances.
6. Obaseki vs. Tony Kabaka
   Obaseki’s decision to demolish Tony Kabaka’s hotel due to political differences caused outrage among Kabaka’s loyalists and associates. Tony Kabaka, a well-known figure in Edo politics, commands significant influence, and the move was seen as politically motivated, alienating a substantial support base.
7. Obaseki vs. Edo State PDP Members
   Perhaps one of the most glaring mistakes was Obaseki’s neglect of core PDP members who initially welcomed him when he defected from the APC. These PDP stalwarts felt relegated and undermined, creating internal divisions that hampered the party’s ability to present a united front during the election.

Lessons Learned

1. Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You
   Obaseki’s many political feuds, particularly with individuals who had once supported him, demonstrated a lack of strategic political foresight. Politics is a game of alliances and gratitude, and alienating one’s benefactors can have dire consequences.
2. Politics is Driven by Personal Interests
   It is often said that in politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Obaseki’s decision to inherit the enemies of his allies, particularly those with political weight like Oshiomhole and Tinubu, proved to be a strategic miscalculation. No one knows what the future holds, and those enemies may become crucial allies down the road.

In conclusion, the political landscape in Edo State during Obaseki’s tenure was marked by conflicts that eroded the unity and strength of the PDP. Personal feuds, neglect of party members, and conflicts with influential leaders across various spheres cost the PDP a solid chance at retaining governorship control in the state. It serves as a reminder that no leader should isolate themselves in politics, as alliances are crucial for long-term success.