In a recent interview on Arise News FROM 2:00, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Editor of THISDAY Newspaper’s Nation’s Capital, offered a critical analysis of the recent governorship election in Edo State. He challenged the notion that the election results were indicative of the popularity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Instead, he posited that the election outcome stemmed from the electorate’s collective opposition to the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Uwugiaren stated, “The President said that the outcome of the election was as a result of the popularity of the APC in Edo State. My submission is that the outcome of that election was not a reflection of the popularity of APC, Labour Party or PDP.” He emphasized that the driving force behind the voters’ decision was their shared discontent with Obaseki’s administration, which he argued had alienated various political stakeholders, including influential figures within the Benin Palace.
He further elaborated that the candidate from the PDP, Asue Ighodalo became a casualty of this broader opposition, as he was entangled in the political backlash against Obaseki. Uwugiaren’s insights suggest that the election should be viewed through the lens of a united front against a common adversary, rather than a straightforward endorsement of any particular political party.
In his words;
“The President said that the outcome of the election was as a result of the popularity of the APC in Edo State. My submission is that the outcome of that election was not a reflection of the popularity of APC, Labour Party or PDP. I think what happened was that the people Edo State identified a common enemy that they needed to fight and that was the Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo , became a victim of the gang up against Obaseki because he offended so many political forces including the Benin Palace”….Sêe _ Morê