Factional leaders of the Edo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have told former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan to distance themselves from the re-election bid of Governor Godwin Obaseki who they described as a failure.
The leaders led by Francis Inegbeneki and Suleiman Bagudu, in a statement in Benin City also alleged that the governor had been recruiting thugs and some APC leaders to fight the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.
“We have it on good authority that Obaseki who recently has been informing some of his aides of his decision not to seek a second term in office, met with the former President last week Monday and solicited his assistance in the war he waged against the National Chairman of the APC.
“The former President was said to have expressed his helplessness in assisting Obaseki who is in the APC but assured that his assistance would be given if the outgoing governor pitch his tenth with the PDP. But we are also glad that the former President was able to berate Obaseki for declaring war against Oshiomhole whom Obasanjo described as a “hard nut to crack.
“As stakeholders, we find it ridiculous that a governor finds it easier to be recruiting thugs and leaders to fight Oshiomhole but have been unable to put his house in order due to his arrogance and wickedness against APC leaders.
“We are aware he has also recruited former President Jonathan who was at Government House to appease Obaseki by saying that Edo people are happy. Does Jonathan know what happiness is? Apart from the fact that Obaseki knew that Edo people have rejected him that he decided to be attending one burial ceremony or the other, birthday parties, does Edo people even know or see their governor?
“This is a man who undermined the electorate in Edo State only to dine and wine with only the affluent without providing the basic amenities for them. He only signs fictitious MOUs; how can such a man be trusted? Oshiomhole is not Obaseki ‘s problem, his problem is with Edo APC leaders who he jettisoned after he became governor.
“Despite the mistake made by our leader Oshiomhole in bringing Obaseki, we still believe in him and we will fight anyone who tries to undermine his authority in Edo APC. He is the father of the modern day Edo State, so Obaseki and his recruits must know that.
“We want to inform former Presidents Obasanjo, Jonathan and others Obaseki is recruiting to stay away from the politics of APC in Edo State. Obaseki is a complete failure and cannot be marketed anymore.”
“If he says he is popular as he claims he should be ready for primaries. Intimidating APC members by destroying their houses, revoking their properties including lands, will not give him APC ticket. We can assure you that after your tenure, you will suffer a hundred folds the pains you meted to APC leaders just because they gave you their support. November is near, we shall know who owns Papa’s land” they said.
