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Tag: Edo Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    . Ize–Iyamu: I’m Studying Election Results

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has celebrated his victory at the Saturday governorship election in the state, saying the collective will of the people made it possible for his triumph over godfatherism.

    Obaseki defeated his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polling a total of 307,955 votes against APC’s 223,619 votes.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu


    He commended the people of Edo State and supporters of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their display of immense courage and support in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation as he emerged victorious in the Saturday gubernatorial election in the state.

    Obaseki praised President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders who participated in the conduct of the gubernatorial election for ensuring a free, peaceful and credible poll in the state.

    However, Ize-Iyamu has also commented on his electoral defeat, saying he’s studying the results along with other party members and would announce the next line of action soon.

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    Obaseki, in his appreciation message in Benin City on Sunday, said: “The great people of Edo State have spoken. They have spoken loud and clear. We thank God Almighty and give Him all the glory for this victory.

    “Thank you, President Muhammadu Buhari, for defending our democracy and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to perform their constitutional functions without interference.

    “INEC and the security services have shown to Nigerians and the world that they are capable of conducting free and credible elections.

    “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation. The collective will of Edo people made it possible for this triumph over godfatherism.

    “I am eternally grateful to my party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my brother governors not only for giving me the umbrella during my political storm but for the hard work which has brought me back to office.

    “Our success has reinforced my belief that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a people if we pull forces together and collectively call on God for support.

    “I reiterate that working with my Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, we are committed to Making Edo Great Again. Thank you for your support.”

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    But, speaking on his electoral loss, Ize-Iyamu appreciated his supporters for enduring what he described as many evils including being prevented from exercising their franchise during the Saturday governorship election in Edo State.

    According to him, “I hereby thank and appreciate my teeming supporters, who have had to endure many evils including being prevented from exercising their franchise, for their support and determination during the election process.

    “I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce the next line of action soon.

    “God bless you all.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the winner of the Saturday Edo State governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, and urged him to show grace and humility in victory.

    The President commended the election process in Edo State which led to Obaseki’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    This was coming as the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrated the party’s victory and congratulated the people of Edo State on the re-election of their choice leader.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    The party implored Buhari to sustain his “newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.”

    PDP described the victory as historic, noting that it served as a strong, viable and unambiguous lesson to leaders, saying Ondo State governorship election is the next target of the party.

    Speaking on the outcome of the election as announced by INEC, Buhari said: “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    “I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.

    “Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”

    The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.

    Also, speaking on its victory at Edo State guber poll, PDP commended the courage of the people of the state for resisting what it described as antics of the enemies of democracy.

    PDP said: “Our party celebrates the resilience and courage exhibited by the people of Edo state in resisting the antics of the enemies of democracy, who, as vote buyers, patrons of lions and tigers, as well as beguilers, attempted to take over the political space of Edo state.

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    “We rejoice with the Edo people for helping to reset the political culture of our nation by casting their votes, protecting the votes, ensuring that their votes counted and following it, ‘bumper-to-bumper,’ to the final point of declaration.

    “Our party commends traditional institutions, faith-based organizations, youth groups, market women, artisans, community associations, trade unions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Edo state for standing up for their state during her critical moments.

    “On account of the reverberation of this victory across the length and breath of our country, the PDP implores President Muhammadu Buhari to continue in this newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.

    “Our party states this in our belief that in spite of his administration’s failure in other spheres of life as well as in previous elections, if Mr. President can continue to toe this new line of allowing for electoral uprightness, history will be beckoned to be kind to him.

    Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    “To the ‘political godfathers,’ this election must serve as a loud lesson that power belongs only to God, which He confers through the people; and that no matter how an individual strives to lord it over others, the will of God, through the people, will always prevail.

    “Our party also notes the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Yakubu Mahmood in ensuring that Edo election was conducted in a manner that was largely adjudged to be free, fair, transparent and credible. Nigerians hope that what we have witnessed in Edo state will not be an off-season procedure in the commission. We demand that this credible process applies to all our elections.”

    The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, applauded “the use of virtual portal by INEC to upload results directly from the polling unit, the base of our election, which made it impossible for electoral violators to hijack this electoral process.”

    “It is our hope in PDP that this new found image of INEC will gather more thresholds in future elections, particularly the October 10, 2020 Ondo governorship election.

    “We however call on INEC to strengthen its processes, particularly in the area of card readers, to forestall the type of delays witnessed in accreditation of voters.

    “Our party also notes the improvement in the activities of our security agencies compared to past elections. We hope that our security organs will continue in this stead in future elections.

    “The Edo election has indeed shown that credible elections are possible in our country if we play by the rules,” the party said.

    PDP also applauded the international community for their keen observation of the electoral processes as well as profiling of those who are bent on undermining our democracy and making free and fair elections appear impossible in Nigeria.

    “We urge the international community and all lovers of democracy not to relent in providing necessary advisory to our leaders on the conduct of our elections,” the party noted.

    PDP restated its support for the actions taken so far by the United States and the United Kingdom in restricting electoral violators from visiting their countries, urging “them not to restrain on further sanctions against such individuals for their sinister roles in our elections.”

    The party also appreciated the Chairman of its National Campaign Council and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for providing the right leadership that led to the victory in Edo State.

    It commended the party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Chairman of South-south PDP Governors’ Forum and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; as well as all PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, elders, leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the party for their efforts in this election.

    Edo Guber Poll: Oba of Benin Tasks Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on Peaceful Election

    PDP appreciated the candidate of APC, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, “whose participation in this election helped to deepen our democracy and enabled the people to make their choice. We invite him, in the spirit of sportsmanship, to congratulate his brother, Governor Godwin Obaseki and join him in the onerous task of leadership in the general interest of all Edo people.”

    The party thanked the media, the civil society groups and all Nigerians across board, for showing more than a passing interest in ensuring that the wish ofThe the people of Edo State for a credible and transparent election prevailed, saying: “We do not take your efforts in this regard for granted.”

    PDP assured of “a continuous partnership with all critical stakeholders in our collective desire to recreate a nation that will continue to be our pride.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    A former vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on his re-election, describing it as a victory over godfatherism and militarism.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    He said no victory could be sweeter than Obaseki’s re-election and rejoiced with the good people of Edo State for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.

    According to him, “There is a new dawn in Edo State, and the hard-won victory of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is not just a victory, but a Declaration of Independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism and militarism.

    Edo Assembly Crisis: Tinubu berates Obaseki, says he’s dictatorial

    “No victory could be sweeter than this, and I heartily congratulate the Governor and the good people of Edo state for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.”

    While thanking Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for his fatherly role in ensuring peaceful election, Atiku said he looked forward to the continuation of four more years of tangible development, and people centred leadership from Obaseki.

    Ahead of Ondo State governorship election, the former vice president tasked the peopedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers to set themselves free from the shackles of oppression and external forces that seek to dominate them.

    “And to the good people of Ondo state, my message to you is that freedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers and external forces that seek to dominate your will and eviscerate your treasury, is possible. Edo has done it. You can do it too!

    “There is a new wind of democratic change now blowing all over Nigeria. The forces of despotism, nepotism, and interlopers cannot successfully withstand this force. Nigeria shall soon be totally free from these forces, from Kaura Namoda, to Lagos. The only power that will stand in Nigeria is people power, not the power of godfathers, or despots,” Atiku said.

    Edo Guber Poll: Oba of Benin Tasks Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on Peaceful Election

    Read the full text of Atiku’s statement here:

    The End of Godfatherism Has Come in Nigeria

    There is a new dawn in Edo State, and the hard-won victory of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is not just a victory, but a Declaration of Independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism and militarism. No victory could be sweeter than this, and I heartily congratulate the Governor and the good people of Edo state for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.

    Edo has a rich history as the centre of Black civilisation, and to this, she is adding a new record as the bastion of Nigerian democracy. This double whammy of ancient and modern glories is a testament to a people who have for centuries set the pace as a beacon of light on the African continent.

    I most heartily congratulate the Peoples Democratic Party, who stood shoulder to shoulder, with the people of Edo and their Government, in good times and bad. We in the PDP have shown that we are not fair-weather friends to the good people of Edo. In good times, we will walk beside you. In bad times, we will be your loyal ‘comrade’. We will never be a turncoat. We will never abandon the principles we once espoused so that we can dine with our nemesis. Democracy has no nemesis. And this, the PDP has again proved.

    I look forward to the continuation of four more years of tangible development, and people centered leadership from Governor Obaseki. I also seize this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Ewuare II, for the fatherly role he played as a neutral catalyst for peace. That this election was, by and large, free from violence, is a testament of the long and effective shadow he casts over his domain.

    From personal experience, I know Governor Obaseki to be a magnanimous man, and I urge Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to accept the right hand of fellowship that is likely to be extended to him. The leprous hand he is now holding can only lead to a destination of barrenness. He is amongst strange bedfellows, and I remind him that no matter how far one has gone on a wrong road, it is never too late to turn back and head in the right direction. The PDP is the right direction.

    And to the good people of Ondo state, my message to you is that freedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers and external forces that seek to dominate your will and eviscerate your treasury, is possible. Edo has done it. You can do it too!

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    There is a new wind of democratic change now blowing all over Nigeria. The forces of despotism, nepotism, and interlopers cannot successfully withstand this force. Nigeria shall soon be totally free from these forces, from Kaura Namoda, to Lagos. The only power that will stand in Nigeria is people power, not the power of godfathers, or despots.

    May God bless the good people of Edo State and may God bless Nigeria. #EdoDecides2020

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • You’re a Legendary Political Swindler : PDP to Oshiomhole on Kneeling Stunt

    You’re a Legendary Political Swindler : PDP to Oshiomhole on Kneeling Stunt

    Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Campaign Council has told a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to stop deceiving himself as the elders and leaders in the state could not be swayed by his pretenses and deceptive genuflections.

    The council, which is part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s re-election bid, allegedly described “Oshiomhole as a self-confessed liar and political swindler, who can no longer enjoy the trust and confidence of the people, including members of his party, APC, who not only suspended him but kicked him out as a national chairman on account of his penchant for deception.”

    READ ALSO…Edo Guber: Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu go down on their knees for support

    “It is sad that Oshiomhole thinks that he can use his antics, orchestrations and stage-managed kneeling to suddenly grip the elders and leaders of Edo State in his voodoo of deception, to accept the same individual he exposed as a fake pastor and treasury looter, who is only fit for ‘night meetings’ and should not be trusted with the position of the governor of Edo State.

    “Oshiomhole ought to have also brought the already discredited APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu, along with him to kneel and plead for forgiveness over his alleged atrocities.

    “Furthermore, the sacked APC national chairman ought to have also used the occasion to offer explanation to the elders of Edo State how he allegedly siphoned billions of naira Edo State funds, for which he is being dragged to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “It is unfortunate that Oshiomhole has turned himself into a wretched clown of a derelict circus, particularly as the people of Edo State can see through his selfish shenanigans and are not ready to dance to his deceptive tune.

    Read ALSO…. Full list: Oyegun, Oshiomhole among 49-man APC campaign council ‘arsenal’ for Edo

    “By trying to go back to his vomit, the former APC national chairman has confirmed that his intention is only to deceive. The people of Edo State know that Oshiomhole’s pain is that Governor Godwin Obaseki, upon assumption of office, refused to allow him to have unfettered access to the resources of Edo State which Governor Obaseki has continued to apply towards the development of the state.

    “The Edo people are already aware that Oshiomhole is desperate to foist Ize-Iyamu, who, giving his antecedents as exposed by Oshiomhole, will be ready to grant him unrestricted access to continue looting the state’s treasury.

    “We counsel Oshiomhole to stop deceiving himself and perish the dream of pillaging the treasury as the people of Edo State will never trade the focused, accountable, transparent and development-driven government under Governor Godwin Obaseki for deception, corruption, incompetence and disregard for value, which Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu and the APC have come to represent,” the council alleged, in a statement by Chris Osa Nehikhare.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Updated: Obaseki joins PDP, makes deal to have aspirants step down

    Updated: Obaseki joins PDP, makes deal to have aspirants step down

    The embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Governor said in a statement just before 3pm on Friday that his decision to pitch tent with the PDP will advance his political ambition.

    “I have officially joined the PDP to advance my ambition to seek re-election as Governor of Edo State. I, as always, remain committed to engendering good governance and sustainable development of our dear state”, Governor Obaseki Stated.

    Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has granted Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, a waiver to fly the party’s flag in the September 19 governorship election in the state.

    It was gathered that in an attempt to accommodate Obaseki and Shaibu, PDP leaders have pleaded with other aspirants vying to get the party’ ticket to step down for the governor.

    READ ALSO: Saraki welcomes Obaseki to PDP, says Oshiomhole has met his waterloo

    A statement by the former Senate President and leader of the PDP, Bukola Saraki suggests that it took more than pleading to get Obaseki and his deputy a waiver to contest under the umbrella party.

    While Saraki welcomed Obaseki to PDP, he emphasised how imperative it is to abide by deals and agreement made by all parties, which apparently formed the behind-the-scene transactions that gave Obaseki and Shaibu a smooth run to the umbrella party’s governorship ticket.

    “That is why my appeal will, at this point, go to all of us, the leaders and stakeholders, who gave assurances that agreement will be honoured, we need to ensure that the NWC of our party plays its own supervisory role by making sure that those agreements entered into by the Governor and the local chapter should be kept, particularly since I am very sure they are all lawful and in the interest of peace and development of the state. That is the only way to keep our integrity intact”, Saraki emphasised.

    Obaseki was disqualified by his former party, All Progressives Congress, from seeking re-election on the grounds that he possesses “defective academic qualifications.”

    He later announced his resignation from the APC and joined the PDP on Friday.