Obaseki vs Ize-Iyamu: Two Benin sons go head to head for Edo governorship

The Benin kingdom is one of the most respected in Africa. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the ancient city and capital of Edo state plays host to people from different parts of the country.

Like other parts of Edo, sons and daughters of Benin have excelled in different fields of human endeavour, and all eyes are on the kingdom as the people go to the polls on Wednesday to elect the next governor of the state.

There are 19 candidates in the election, but the real battle is between two sons of Benin — Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

There is no doubt that this will be very competitive. Each candidate has significant strengths over the other. The APC is battling not to lose its only state in the south-south, while the PDP wants to take over its former terrain. In the end, it will be a close contest that could go either way.

THE PASTOR WHO HELPED OSHIOMHOLE TO A SECOND TERM

A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ize-Iyamu is a politician in the real sense of the word.

He played a major role in the re-election of Adams Oshiomhole, the outgoing governor, and also served as the Edo coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo campaign for the 2015 presidential election.

As a former chief of staff to Oshiomhole, and one-time secretary to the state government, he has a well-organised grassroots structure and knows the APC well enough to hurt them, now that he is with the PDP

FINANCIAL EXPERT WITH A HEAVY WAR CHEST

Obaseki, the current head of the state’s economy and strategy team, understands the key challenges of the state as a result of the office he holds. The seasoned financial expert is capable of using his over 30 years experience to transform the state.

Since his party is in charge both at the state and federal levels, he obviously has a stronger war chest. His campaigns were aired live on television, and President Muhammadu Buhari led more than 10 governors to the grand-finale, which held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Ize-Iyamu held his own final campaign at an indoor hall, and only two governors were present.

Oshiomhole’s track record in infrastructural development and his popularity are some of the factors that would work for Obaseki.

But one thing that counts against him is the perception that he is a greenhorn in politics. As a matter of fact, his opponents have tried to push the narrative that he is a stooge of Oshiomhole, but the APC candidate has told all who cared to listen that he has a mind of his own.

Another Achilles heels for the APC candidate is transferred aggression. Those who have not felt the impact of the current administration are likely to vote against him. The pensioners, who have been demanding an arrears of 42 months, and local government workers, who are being owed 18 months salaries.

Those who are also dissatisfied with the performance of the federal government may not cast their ballot for him. Believe it or not, the  economic situation of the country is one of the key issues that would decide the outcome of this election.

Going by the realities on ground, Obaseki should fare well in Edo north, where Oshiomhole hails from, but Edo central is a no-go area, according to some aggrieved citizens.

“Only magic will make APC win here. Even that magic will not work,” a native of Ekpoma told TheCable.

“No roads in this area. The people of Ekpoma, Uromi, Ubiaja, Irua, and the entire Esan land are ready for protest votes. We are far from happy with this government.”