Edo 2020: Only God can stop my victory, says Obaseki

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has boasted no man can stop him from securing a second term victory ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

The Governor, who stated this on Wednesday while appearing Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, also said he remains confident of clinching the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket regardless of whichever mode of primary election that is adopted.

He said though he is not violent in nature, he believes his re-election is sure if it is the will of God.

His words: “It does not matter whether it is direct or indirect (primary), I will win. I am not a violent person. But I am confident that the way I got into power is the same way I will return. God gave me power. If he wants me to return I will continue. No man can stop me. Power comes from God.

“We have always canvassed for peace. What are the issues in Edo and what are the issues that cannot be resolved in a democracy? Our concern is to use the resources of the people to develop the state.

“This shouldn’t lead to bloodshed. We will not accept to be cowed and intimidated because some people think that they can manipulate rules and cut corners.”

He also pointed out that his emergence as governor of Edo State was no fluke, noting he worked hard to achieve the feat.

He added” “I have friends with resources. I worked for eight years behind the scene before I became governor. So all that insinuations about using somebody’s resources… I became governor on the platform of the party and I am grateful for it.”

Ahead of the forthcoming guber election in the state, the ruling party has been rocked with internal crisis.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu has emerged the consensus governorship candidate of a faction of the APC in Edo and is expected to contest against Obaseki during the governorship primary slated for June 22.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had on May 22 backed use of direct primary to elect the APC’s candidate for the Edo governorship election.

But the state’s Chairman of the party, Anselm Ojezua, had faulted the NWC’s decision, citing provision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that stipulates each state is at liberty to adopt any method it prefers.