Oshiomhole, however, agreed that he joined forces with Gov Obaseki to defeat then PDP guber candidate, Ize-Iyamu
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed a claim that he handpicked the outgoing governor of his state, Godwin Obaseki, insisting that he was elected by the people of the state.
He made this known recently after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio mocked and claimed that Obaseki turned against him despite being instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Speaking during a debate on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio said: “The man you brought in as governor (Obaseki) has turned against you and against democracy.”
Responding, Oshiomhole insisted he did force Obaseki on Edo people, saying he only replicated what Akpabio did as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He said: “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him, just the way you supported Governor Udom.”
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Oshiomhole made Obaseki’s emergence as governor possible in 2016 against the wishes and advice of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC leaders had opted for his then-deputy, Pius Odubu, or another politician as a successor to him.
But with Oshiomhole’s support, Obaseki defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The duo, however, fell out two years into Obaseki’s tenure as the incumbent governor vowed never to allow Oshiomole dictate to him or blackmail him.
However, shortly before the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Obaseki approached Oshiomhole to mend fences in the interest of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who eventually lost the poll to APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo.