After years of bitter politics, Oshiomhole begs Obaseki

Former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole has begged Edo governor Godwin Obaseki to be magnanimous in victory.

The plea followed Obaseki’s Supreme Court victory and years of bitter politics between him and the former two-term governor.

In a congratulatory message to the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court on Monday, Oshiomhole said the rift between him and Obaseki was an unfortunate incident which he has forgotten.

Oshiomhole also begged Obaseki to be fair to everyone in the state regardless of political affiliations.

“Congratulation on your victory at the Supreme Court, which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election,” Oshiomhole said.

“As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to brothers of different parents.”

He also advised Obaseki to be “magnanimous in victory,” adding that the Edo governor should govern the state as the leader of all Edo people regardless of political leanings.

On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed the certificate forgery suit filed against Obaseki by the APC and its co-appellant for lack of merit.

In June 2020, Oshiomhole sanctioned the disqualification of Obaseki from the party’s governorship primary election.

The screening panel said it disqualified Obaseki after discovering irregularities in his university certificate.

The disqualification climaxed a lingering rift between Obaseki and Oshiomhole.

“Whatever happened is unfortunate,” said Oshiomhole, adding, “please accept the renewed assurances of my very best wishes and high regards.”

However, the governor, after his disqualification, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He won the party’s gubernatorial ticket and eventually won reelection.