BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

There is tension in Edo state as political gladiators in the state, particularly those in the All Progressives Congress (APC) file out today for the governorship primaries of the party, ahead the September 10, 2016 governorship election in the state. It is a contest that is parading powerful aspirants and that is why the tension in the party is heightening. The aspirants who are expected to file out today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, include:

1. 

   Odubu and Obaseki

   Dr Pius Odubu (Okakuo), the deputy governor

2. Dr Chris Ogienwonyi, former Minister of state for Works
3. Godwin Obaseki, chairman Edo state Economic and Strategic Team.
4. Kenneth Imasuagbon
5. Prof. Osarhiemien Osunbor, former governor and senator
6. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, former Commander Army Finance Corps.
7. Blessing Agbomhere,
8. Prof Federick Amadasun.
9. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, former deputy minority leader, House of Representatives
10. Arch. Austin Ilenre Emuan
11. Comrade Peter Esele,
12. Mrs Agbarha Justina.

The aspirants to watch include Dr. Pius Odubu, Dr. Chris Ogienwonyi, Mr. Obaseki, Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon, Senator Oserheinmen Osunbor and Gen. Charles Airhiavbere. The campaign for delegates has in the past two weeks, been smeared by allegations of surreptitious purchase of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs). Governor Adams Oshiomhole broached the issue for the first time last Wednesday when he met with seven of the aspirants in a meeting with his deputy conspicuously absent. The governor had admonished them to see the primaries as a brotherly one, reminding them to look at the bigger picture.

However, Ogienwonyi raised the issue of purchase of PVCs by some government officials, adding that those perpetrating the act are enemies who intend to rig the primaries. But Prof. Amadasun and Arigbe-Osula countered his claim. Arigbe-Osula recalled claims that some aspirants had been paying some delegates in the past seven months, saying that was also a crime just like purchasing PVCs.

Apparently sensing that he was referring to him, Ogienwonyi explained that he had not paid any delegate rather, that he has used his foundation to give out soft loans to indigent people. But in his swift response, Arigbe-Osula did not believe him and insisted that both those purchasing PVCs and those paying delegates are all guilty. In his reaction too, Prof. Amadasun Saturday Vanguard learnt, described the actions of the aspirants as a war strategy. However, Oshiomhole reiterated his appeal to the aspirants and wished all of them good luck.

Obaseki is enjoying advantages that have turned into disadvantages for other aspirants. He has the advantage of the backing of the government and key political office holders. In the past few days, both the Chief of Staff to the governor, Patrick Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo) and Obaseki’s campaign manager, Osarodion Ogie had been working assiduously in the field to deliver Obaseki. 930 members of Edo in Safe Hands led by Ogie, who are APC delegates endorsed Obaseki in a publication in Vanguard last Thursday.

Oshiomhole’s field soldiers in Edo South including his political adviser Charles Idahosa, Lawrence Orka, Rev. Egharevba, Lucy Omagbon and husband Harrison are all in the field battling Odubu and Ogienwonyi forces. Saturday Vanguard learnt that two meetings called to persuade Odubu to step down for Ogienwonyi to sharpen the attack against Obaseki collapsed as Odubu described it as an insult.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the meeting was arranged by some Benin leaders in the party supportive of Ogienwonyi’s ambition who are worried that it would be difficult defeating Obaseki with both men in the race. Oshiomhole’s influence is sure to prevail for Obaseki in Edo North given that it is the only district where the APC won all National Assembly seats last year.

In Edo Central, Imasuagbon is strong in this area which is his home base, but he will have to battle the strong Oshiomhole and Odubu’s foot soldiers in this area. Apart from that, he will have to contend with Prof. Osunbor and Esele, who are from this same district. And in this area, the state chairman of the APC, Anslem Ojezua, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly Thomas Okosun, business mogul, Theo Okoh and Chief Francis Inegbeneki are all working for Obaseki.

Odubu has a strong politician in this area too, Hon. Oibo, who will work hard to deliver Odubu in this area. To give a boost to Obaseki’s aspiration in this area, leaders of the APC led by the state chairman, last Thursday resolved to back Obaseki and appealed to the leadership of the party to cede the deputy governorship slot to the zone to the chagrin of Imasuagbon.

In Edo South with seven LGAs, the Benin believe it is their turn to shine. This area is the battle field. Benin land had for long been a fertile electoral space for Oshiomhole, and he has strong political allies in the area. The Esan aspirants will have a strong challenge winning in any of the seven Local Governments in Benin land all things being equal. Odubu, Ogienwonyi, and Amadasun will scatter the votes in Orhionwom, but it will be tougher for them if Amadasun decides to step down for Obaseki. If not Odubu is expected to win this area.

In Uhumwonde, Charles Idahosa, Oshiomhole Political Adviser is the political leader here, but he is battling with the former House of Reps member, Osagie, who is backing Odubu. Idahosa and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly Aitivie are expected to deliver the majority votes here for Obaseki. Obaseki is from Oredo and Oshiomhole has his staunch supporters in the person of Lawrence Orka, Igodomigodo, Egharevba and others who will deliver Obaseki.

In Egor, another battle field, Odubu has his loyalists here just as Ogienwonyi but a member of the state Assembly Crosby Eribo, who is working for Obaseki, will slug it out with Gentleman Amegor. Odubu’s problem will be if he shares Egor with Ogienwonyi then Obaseki will have the advantage. Ovia North East is Mrs. Omagbon’s domain. She is known as the iron lady a core supporter of Oshiomhole. The chairman of the state Oil and Gas Commission Vincent Uwadia is also from here.

As a result, Obaseki may not have much opposition here. In Ovia South West, Harrison Omagbon will be battling Chief Evbonnwa, who is an ardent supporter of Odubu. This area seems good for Odubu, but Harrison, who is backing Obaseki will be hard to brush over.

However, in politics, it is said that it is not over until it is over. Money will also play its role in persuading the delegates so you never can say. But in this race, Oshiomhole’s ruthless political machinery which he has deployed to deliver Obaseki cannot be taken for granted.