…Their standing and likely upsets
…polls results too early to call as it’s going to be titanic
… will the peace accord signed by both gladiators hold sway?
By Emman Ovuakporie
Barely 24hours from now Edolites will decide who runs the state’s affairs for the next four years.
The drumbeats of war which engulfed the heartbeat of the nation will come to a temporary standstill by tomorrow as the two-man race between Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, APC will be decided.
But before the election there have been reported cases of violence perpetuated by both major parties in the state.
The Oba of Benin had to step in inviting all the political gladiators and their followers to the palace.
The Oba did not mince words he simply told the two main characters that power was transient and this was the worst election in the political history of the state.
Last Tuesday former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar led the peace Committee to Edo State where Obaseki and his major contender, Ize-Iyamu signed a peace accord.
But will this accord hold sway as both men are desperate to grab power come September 19 which is barely 24hours from now.
PERMUTATIONS:
There are 2,210,534 registered voters in the state scattered across the three Senatorial Districts of the State with Edo South Senatorial District with the highest.
There are eigteen local government areas.
The spreadsheet of voters in the three zones:
Edo North:564,122
Edo: Central: 365,989
Edo South 1,281,414
Looking at above voters spread sheet one does need a soothsayer to know that the battle ground definitely will be the South.
Incidentally, both gladiators are from the South making it a matching ground for their foot soldiers.
They both went on a ward to ward campaign meaning the grassroots were adequately covered.
In Edo North where the former APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole hails from is going to be battle royale since he and his godson deputy Governor of the state, Phillip Shaibu tore agreement papers.
It’s Shaibu Vs Oshiomhole in the north because both men have enough foot soldiers to deliver the votes. They may both share the votes in the north.
Shaibu has maintained a policy since he ventured into politics to deal directly with the people.
He remembers them when it matters most during all festivities by extending a hand of support.
On the other hand, his godfather had remained relevant to his people for good eight years and this may just be what may work in his favor on Saturday.
Both men are equally matched in the north.
Edo South: It’s going to be the battle ground for all. Obaseki may need to dig deeper because Ize-Iyamu is very much on ground. It’s his turf and he understands it well.
Obaseki may heavily rely on the incumbency factor to turn around things in Edo South.
While Ize-Iyamu with the backing of Abuja could also turn the table in his favor as Edo is a political signal for 2023 and the only foothold of APC in the Niger Delta Region.
Edo Central better described as small but mighty may be the rallying point for Obaseki’s emergence if the Esans come out enmasse to vote for him.
The Edo Central simply believe it’s pay time to settle final scores with Oshiomhole who made them third class citizens in a zone that parades the highest number of professors in the state.
Oshiomhole for eight years made Edo Central invisible in the map of the heartbeat of the nation.
This is a big minus to innocent Ize-Iyamu who if by Saturday he fails to win may quit politics and face his pastoral work.
But there’s one positive thing about the Pastor, he is truly a fighter who believes the battle continues.
The Beginning of Crisis
Godwin Obaseki the incumbent had a raw deal with the former APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and he had to navigate his ship to the PDP to ensure he contests.
Seen by many as a technocrat turned politician, Obaseki’s navigation into PDP clearly indicates that Edo can never be Lagos where APC national leader single handely removed a sitting governor last year.
By June 16, Obaseki had left APC for good before his final disqualification and the party leaders of PDP made a vow that never again in history will another flag not bearing PDP will be hoisted in Denis Osadebey Government House in Benin City.
Ize-Iyamu who ordinarily could have gotten to government house with ease had the overbearing presence of Oshiomhole, seen by many Edolites as a godfather who slaughtered godfather’s to become relevant only to become a godfather.
They strongly believe that if you delete Oshiomhole’s image from Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki will be history.
The RCCG Pastor has the best grassroots connection across the state based on his long term relationship with majority of those who matter most in Edo State politics.
Election is all about figures, if the results become too close it may end up becoming an inconclusive election which may give Abuja the opportunity to rubbish PDP that has mobilised the entire South South to deliver Obaseki.
Protests votes may not be ruled out because of the angst against Oshiomhole in Edo.
![#EdoDecides2020: Ize-Iyamu votes, says he’s confident of winning [+ Photos]](https://thenewsguru.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ItL0MyP1.jpg)
