- Ogbeide-Ihama Approaches Court To Stop Gov Obaseki
Ahead of the June 25 governorship primary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the forces against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state winning the PDP ticket are becoming reinforced.
Though, one of the PDP aspirants, Engr Keneth Ikihine on Monday stepped down for the Governor, his other two rivals:Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon(alias Rice Man) and Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama,a member of the Federal House of Representatives are not letting things slide.
Read also: Edo 2020: Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu Hold Nothing Back, Set Tone For Fiery Campaign
The New Diplomat had reported that Barrister Imasuagban, nicknamed “Rice Man” for his penchant for always donating truck loads of rice bags to his native communities in Edo state lost the APC ticket to Obaseki in 2016 has vowed not to step down.
A source who spoke with The New Diplomat hinted that efforts to prevail on him to step down for the Governor has failed to materialize as at the moment. Barrister Imasuagban is seen as a very calculative politician who has consistently vied for the governorship of Edo state.
Read also: Edo 2020: Obaseki Gets New Opposition In PDP As Aspirant Vows Not To Step Down
He added that all appeal and mediations by the PDP hierarchy to enable Barrister Imasuagban and Hon Ogbeide-Ihama drop their ambition have been falling on deaf ears.
To complicate the political situation within the PDP with respect to Edo governorship, Hon Ogbeide-Ihama on Monday approached a High court , seeking an order, stopping Governor Obaseki from contesting the Edo PDP primary.
He told a Port-Harcourt High court that Governor Obaseki obtained his nomination outside of the period stipulated for the purchase of forms by the PDP. The Legislator is asking the court to recognize him as the governorship candidate of the PDP. According to a source, the move by Ogbeide-Ihama to stop Obaseki is being backed by some external and internal forces.
Read also: Edo 2020: Court Restrains PDP From Excluding Obaseki, Others From Primary
The PDP governorship primary which has been scheduled for Thursday, 25 June. Meanwhile, Ikhine announced his decision to step down for Governor Obaseki on Monday at a ceremony in Benin City.
Gov. Obaseki and other PDP leaders from across Edo State were in attendance. Engr Ikhine while announcing the decision, said that the Governor’s defection to the party was God’s great answer to the party and his aspiration.
He stated that he was not stepping down, but “stepping behind the man who would lead the party to glory come September 19”.
