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Edo Govt Reacts As Obaseki Allegedly Takes Decision On Successor

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Benin Interest

Governor Godwin Obaseki has decided on his successor coming from Edo South Senatorial zone, one of the leading aspirants for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship ticket, Eng. Gideon Ikhine has said.

Ikhine who is from Edo Central has as such defected from the party, a decision that has worsened the plight of the PDP that was forced to play third fiddle in the recent presidential and National Assembly contest in the state.

Ikhine’s assertion has, however, been strongly rebuffed by a senior government official who disclosed that the exit of the aspirant was because the governor refused to endorse him.

Ikhine who spoke in a telephone chat with Popular News disclosed that one of his reasons for leaving the PDP was because the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, zoned the 2024 governorship position in the state to the South Senatorial District.

“Shouldn’t my foolishness be over? For three years, Obaseki has never given me N1(One Naira). I didn’t ask him(for money). I supported him. He won. He has given a lot of appointments (to many people).

“He has never told me to bring a goat to eat grass in Government House. Not even to supply a bottle of water. What have I done?

“Then of recent, the man had a meeting with his people and said he has zoned governorship(in 2024) to Edo South Senatorial District. So, what happens to other senatorial districts? I don’t have a problem with him. He is doing what he knows how to do best.

“Let me withdraw from the party (PDP). In the next few days, I will let you know (where I am heading to). I have not decided where I am going to, but in the next few days, you will see where I am going,” he submitted.

However, debunking the claim that Governor Obaseki had made a decision on his successor, a high level government official told GWG.ng:

“The man came and met the governor that he wanted to contest but the governor refused to give him his endorsement and asked him to go and work. He wants a free ride which the governor is refusing to give.

“Yes, I am aware that Esan traditional rulers are going round. They came to meet the Oba and what we hear is that the Oba told them that he will go and consult. They also went to meet Edo North traditional rulers and they were told that their son also wants to contest.

“So, what is happening is that the battle is being reduced to an ethnic contest and if it boils down to that level Edo South may then decide to also join the contest,” he said in response to the claim that Obaseki has taken a decision on where his successor should come from as he noted that the issue of zoning is that of the party.

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