The much anticipated and dust gathering Edo election which drew attention all over Nigeria was conducted on Saturday 19th sept, 2020. The election was adjudged free and fair by majority of Nigerians and election observers.
The election which collation of result ended on Sunday, saw the candidate of PDP Godwin Obaseki win the election with some significant margin and sweeping 13 out of 18 LGA.
Here are the reasons arguably believed to be the giver of victory for the PDP and its candidate.
1) Edo people's dislike for godfatherism:
It is obvious that Edo- benin is known for its ancient and rich history and culture in Africa. How they fought slave masters and conquered. One can say it still runs in their blood never to be put under the armpit as individuals or a people. In this regards, they would never smile on any person who intends to lord himself over another.
The likes of former governor in the person of Adam Oshiomole fought godfatherism with the help of Edo people and fortunately got the win he needed. Adam is not known to be a man who forgets so soon, however, it seems he forgot or decided to try the resolve of Edo people in the fight against godfatherism. Unfortunately for him, the fight went on the way of the latest godfatherism slayer in Edo
.
2) Governor Wike factor:
Governor Wike, the governor of River State has never cease to showcase the iron stuff he is made of when it comes to strategic politics and his guts and bravery. It has actually payed off for PDP for making him the chairman of PDP campaign in Edo. He indeed brought his experience, strategy, guts, etc and delivered as he had boosted.
3) Buhari's resolve for free and fair election
The man of integrity, in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari, has always advocated for free and fair election where the will of the people will reflect the result. He is currently a beneficiary free, fair election, so as a man of integrity he must uphold such tenets and build on it. He promised never to interfere in the election process, as he always desires the wish of the people to come to play. As a man of his word, no sensible person who followed the election would accuse him of reneging on his promises and no doubt, subsequent elections under his watch will still follow such due democratic process. Kudos to Him.
4) Power of incumbency
No doubt, the power of incumbency can never be underestimated. When we talk about power of incumbency it cut across, financial, political, economic, media power which is at the disposal of incumbent governor. Indeed, you wont be surprised if he used it to his advantage.
5) APC governors' weak (fake) support because of Oshiomole
Prior to the election, the former chairman of APC was surprisingly and strangely removed from office. Many believed that, he had stepped on many party big-wings' toes. He was seen as welding a lot of power beyond his capacity which didn't go well with his in-house fighters. Based on this, many never truly supported his candidate he alleged to have anointed single-handedly. You dont need to be told that many of them would be happy to see him crumble so they can have their way as his wings seems to have been clipped.
6) Edo people's desire to join the PDP south-south region
Edo state started as a PDP state, and considering the geographical location of the state, which is south-south, a PDP dominated area, one would think it wise if they would like to join their sister states in belonging to one party fold. Hence, it has come to play. Every day for the thief, one day for the owner of the house. Finally, the people of Edo has spoken their minds as to which party they want to belong to. Definitely, with the influence of their sister states being under one party fold, and with their history of once belonging to the same party fold, no surprise they have decided to join their sister states.
