The sight of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki in tears at a public event last Thursday surprised many. Known for his confident and assertive presence, Obaseki, who has steered the political direction of Edo State for nearly eight years, displayed an emotional side rarely seen. With his second and final term as governor set to end in October, the stakes in the upcoming governorship election appear to weigh heavily on him.
Though Obaseki will not be on the ballot, his influence looms large over the election. As a dominant figure in the state’s politics, his legacy and political future are closely tied to the success of his handpicked successor, Mr. Aisuen Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate. Obaseki’s tears at the event, while symbolic, reveal how much this election means for him personally and politically.
Like many Nigerian governors nearing the end of their tenure, Obaseki has invested considerable political capital in ensuring his successor is someone who will continue his policies and secure his legacy. The pressure of ensuring Ighodalo’s victory, which would maintain his influence even after leaving office, is clearly taking an emotional toll on the governor.
Obaseki’s emotional display highlights the deep personal investment he has in the outcome of the election. His tearful appearance suggests that the stakes go beyond the immediate political contest; they reflect the broader question of how his administration will be remembered and whether his successor will carry forward his vision for Edo State. With so much on the line, the upcoming election represents a defining moment not just for the PDP but for Obaseki’s enduring political legacy.
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