Nigerians have been debating for the better part of the week whether or not incumbent Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki would be defecting to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

In what came as unsurprising news, Godwin Obaseki has taken to his Twitter handle to announce his defection to the opposition, PDP in furtherance of his political ambition and aspiration for a second term in office.

I have officially joined the @OfficialPDPNig 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.

— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) June 19, 2020

 

The political saga concerning the Edo State elections and the internal wranglings in the All Progressives Congress (APC) reached a crescendo when the discord between Governor Obaseki and his predecessor, the suspended National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole culminated in his disqualification from the June 22 primaries. The ruling APC through a screening panel declared that Obaseki was unqualified to run for the office based on his “faulty” credentials.

Governor Obaseki was quick to bid farewell to the party and has since then, been rumoured to be on his way to the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

However, news of the suspension of Oshiomole as National Chairman of the party upheld the Court of Appeal and the appointment of its Deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman by an Abuja High Court, laid new variables to the issue. Victor Giadom reversed Obaseki’s disqualification and implored him to return to the APC for a fresh screening. This raised speculations that Obaseki may not proceed with his defection. 

With this confirmation by Godwin Obaseki, late Friday that he would be heading over to PDP to continue the pursuit of his political ambition, the political climate in the state have been heated for all the battles in the opposing parties over the next 9 days, following the deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude same and submit names of their flagbearers for the September 19 polls in the South-South State.

As expected, mixed reactions greeted this news and while some Nigerians ushered words of support on his latest move, hinting that many would vote for him irrespective of platform, others criticised the move; stressing that he would lose, either way. 

A party has no personality on its own, it depends on who the candidate is. If the candidate is good, the party is good and we are voting that candidate.
Godwin Obaseki is a good man. We are voting Godwin Obaseki, no matter the platform.

— Kings Benson (@kingsbenson_) June 19, 2020

I have never voted for PDP @OfficialPDPNig once in my life. but because of you I will indeed vote for PDP this time around if u and Hon. Philip Shaibu emerge the party flag bearer come September 2020 Edo governorship election.
Let make this hashtag trend #ObasekiwelcometoPDP

— Saviour (@iam_Saviourite) June 19, 2020

Naija politics is not only dirty but absurd. Now Obaseki will likely be contestin under the banner of PDP against Iyamu of APC who had contested against same Obaseki under the banner of PDP when Obaseki was with the APC. And this is just a tip of the absurdity of Naija politics.

— Kamilu Dantilli (@Lanjeduma) June 19, 2020

They'll disqualify you with the certificate issue just like In Bayelsa if you win..
I would advice you to just Sempe in on corner..

— Spice Up?️?️ (@moyinblessing) June 19, 2020

 

Nigerians are held in suspense at what new updates this announcement would provoke as things progress.