However, a few days after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had initially congratulated Dennis Idahosa, they, for reasons known to them, declared the process inconclusive.
Subsequently, another process ensued, and this time a pre-determined script unfolded, resulting in the defeat of Dennis Idahosa by Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central. This move nullified Idahosa’s earlier declared victory.
What factor led to this outcome? Was it the fairness in allowing a candidate of Esan descent to rise? Was it influenced by godfatherism? Or was it simply the age of Dennis Idahosa?
In Edo, residents hold a deep sense of pride in their identity. In this case, Dennis Idahosa’s ascension was attributed solely to his youthful age of 43, rather than being Oshiomhole’s preferred choice. Before the primaries, there were criticisms about Dennis’s trustworthiness due to his resignation from Oshiomhole’s cabinet during the latter’s governorship. So, how can those who accused Dennis of disloyalty to Oshiomhole now claim that Oshiomhole favored him because he could control him? This contradiction is evident.
So, this brings us to the pivotal and final aspect: his age. “Edo man get pride Kakabo” — the pride of the Edo people is well-known. Even finding a deputy for Dennis would have been challenging due to the reluctance of older politicians who view him as a “small boy.”
But is Dennis Idahosa truly a “small boy”? A former commissioner, a two-time member of the federal House of Representatives — achievements that surpass those of his competitors. Yet, some dismiss him as too young to govern the state. Nevertheless, his track record speaks volumes. His commendable projects in his constituency have earned him recognition as one of the finest federal lawmakers in the country.
So, why should a proven performer like Dennis be sidelined because of his age when, in fact, his age could be a factor in winning the general elections? What relevance does his age have to his performance that he was marginalized and portrayed as a political novice?