The recently concluded Edo State governorship election saw Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge victorious, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, attributed part of this success to the provocative statement made by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, prior to the election. According to Ganduje, Obaseki’s ‘do-or-die’ declaration had a significant effect on the outcome, fueling the resolve of APC supporters and contributing to Ighodalo’s defeat【Punch†source】.
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The Provocative Statement that Stirred the Waters
In the lead-up to the election, Governor Godwin Obaseki appeared on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” where he made a controversial remark that the election would be a “do-or-die” affair. He expressed concerns that the people of Edo State would be in jeopardy if the APC regained control. This statement did not go unnoticed by the APC, which interpreted it as an aggressive stance intended to incite fear and urgency among the electorate.
Responding to the comment, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje highlighted that instead of the statement creating pressure for the APC, it inspired their supporters to challenge the governor’s claim and prove him wrong. The ‘do-or-die’ remark seemed to ignite a determination within the APC camp, who adopted a contrasting slogan of ‘do-and-succeed,’ emphasizing perseverance and positivity over aggression.
Obaseki’s Political Journey: A Point of Contention
Governor Obaseki’s political history added an interesting dynamic to the Edo State election. He was originally a member of the APC and secured his first term as governor under their banner. However, a fallout with the party led him to defect to the PDP, taking with him the mandate that the APC had initially entrusted to him. This defection created an atmosphere of rivalry and fueled a desire within the APC to reclaim power.
Ganduje emphasized that the election was particularly challenging because of this history, stating, “We had a governor (Obaseki) who used to be one of us. We are children of the same father but with different mothers, competing against each other. So, we didn’t part on good terms.” This rivalry added another layer of intensity to the political landscape in Edo State, making the APC’s eventual victory even more significant.
The Impact of Obaseki’s Remark on the APC Campaign
According to Dr. Ganduje, the ‘do-or-die’ statement was a turning point for the APC. Rather than causing anxiety, it galvanized their supporters and provided an extra push to ensure that their candidate, Monday Okpebholo, secured victory. Ganduje stated, “From what transpired, we will use the results, voting patterns, successes, and failures in different units to strengthen the APC institution, which is driven by knowledge.” This statement underscores how the APC intends to analyze the election’s outcomes to reinforce their strategies for future political contests.
The APC also used the opportunity to express gratitude to various stakeholders, including security agencies and party governors, who played a role in ensuring a peaceful election process and supporting the APC candidate. The party’s emphasis on peace, law, and order contrasted sharply with the PDP’s aggressive campaign tactics, helping to boost their image among voters.
The Election Results: A Mandate for the APC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the Edo governorship election. He secured a total of 291,667 votes, while Asue Ighodalo of the PDP trailed with 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished in third place with 22,763 votes. The election results serve as a testament to the APC’s ability to rally support and navigate political challenges, especially in the face of a contentious campaign marked by inflammatory rhetoric.
Looking Ahead: APC’s Future Plans in the South-East and Beyond
Dr. Ganduje also used the opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of the Edo State victory for the APC. He noted that the party now controls two out of the five states in the South-East and emphasized the goal of reclaiming more states in the region. The APC’s strategy moving forward will likely involve analyzing the voting patterns and using the knowledge gained to strengthen their institution for future elections.
Ganduje formally closed the Edo election situation room by expressing optimism about the APC’s prospects in upcoming elections and reiterating the importance of maintaining a united front.
The Edo State governorship election highlighted the impact that rhetoric and political messaging can have on election outcomes. Governor Obaseki’s ‘do-or-die’ comment, meant to rally his supporters, ended up energizing the opposition and contributing to the PDP’s defeat. The APC’s strategy of promoting a more positive and inclusive message of ‘do-and-succeed’ resonated with voters, ultimately leading to a successful election campaign.
The APC’s victory in Edo State is not just a win for the party but also a demonstration of how a unified, focused approach can overcome challenges, even in the face of inflammatory opposition. As the party continues to build on this success, it sets a precedent for future elections across Nigeria.
For more details on the full story, visit the source: Punch.
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