Edo 2024: Rt Hon Ogbeide-Ihama Raises The Stakes In Edo’s PDP Gubernatorial Race

Edo 2024: Rt Hon Ogbeide-Ihama Raises The Stakes In Edo’s PDP Gubernatorial Race....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

The 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State promises to be a significant moment for the people of Edo.Beyond the glitz and glamour surrounding it, this election holds great value for research and analysis…CONTINUE READING.

The field of aspirants is already crowded, with a significant presence from the APC and an intense rivalry between Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, within the PDP. Surprisingly, the Labour Party also boasts a substantial number of applicants vying for the gubernatorial position.

However, let’s now turn our attention to the PDP and its strong contender, Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. It’s crucial to acknowledge the internal divisions within the PDP, which have arisen from the dispute between Obaseki and Philip Shaibu, primarily centered on Obaseki’s endorsement of Asue Ighodalo as his favored successor.

This internal discord has had significant repercussions, leading several top aspirants, including Senator Urhoghide, Gideon Ikhini, and Mike Onolememen, to defect from the PDP to the APC.

The pivotal question at hand is this: What are the prospects for Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama to secure the PDP ticket when he’s up against a candidate endorsed by Obaseki?

To put things in context, let’s go back to the events of the 2020 Gubernatorial elections and how the PDP blew an opportunity to nominate Ogbeide-Ihama as its candidate. Ogbeide-Ihama was a prominent contender within the PDP during the run-up to the party primaries.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Governor Godwin Obaseki, who had previously been expelled from the APC, switched his allegiance to the PDP. In a significant development, Ogbeide-Ihama, in a pact brokered by the then Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, chose to withdraw a legal case that had been designed to prevent Obaseki from joining the party.

In retrospect, it’s clear that had Ogbeide-Ihama, who enjoyed considerable popularity in Edo South back then, anticipated the unfolding events, he might have refrained from withdrawing his lawsuit. This decision could have paved the way for him to secure the PDP candidacy in the 2020 gubernatorial election and possibly emerge victorious in the general elections.

This potential success could have been attributed to the division within the APC’s voter base, as Obaseki might have considered switching to an alternative party outside the PDP, providing the Oredo star boy with a competitive advantage.

Presently, Governor Obaseki holds a firm grip on the PDP, but his position is far from guaranteed. In this intricate political landscape, Ogbeide-Ihama, a long-standing member of the PDP, could gain an advantage if national-level political dynamics align in his favor. Notably, Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State Governor and current FCT minister, wields substantial influence within the PDP.

Furthermore, within the state, there is a faction of PDP members who are considered legacy members, led by the National Vice Chairman South-South, Chief Dan Orbih. If Ogbeide-Ihama can tap into this influential faction, it could provide him with a significant edge. His standing as the first politician to break the jinx by being reelected as a lawmaker representing Oredo Federal constituency adds to his political acumen and reputation.

The dynamics of the forthcoming general election are undeniably captivating, with a special focus on Edo South, which houses the largest number of voters and wields substantial influence over the overall election outcome, notably from the constituencies of Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha.

Ihama’s popularity in Oredo is a testament to his outstanding track record during his tenure in the National Assembly, establishing him as a prominent figure not to be underestimated. He is a shrewd, brilliant, and adept strategist, with a remarkable track record of winning battles. Moreover, his charismatic and amiable personality further enhances his appeal, making him a formidable candidate in the electoral arena.

As we progress, it will be intriguing to observe how Ihama’s entry into the gubernatorial race develops and whether he can disrupt the status quo within the PDP, despite Obaseki’s influence and the ever-shifting political landscape.

One thing is certain; Ogbeide Ihama’s participation in the race will elevate the stakes within the PDP, making it a closely-watched and competitive contest. The young politician boasts a strong connection to grassroots communities and is poised to inject a fresh and exciting dimension into the race.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.