Edo 2020: Sad, As Obaseki’s Governor Colleagues Lead Campaign Against Him; Odigie-Oyegun Included

By Akinwale Kasali

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was a surprise member of the 49-man Team named by the Party to lead the Governorship campaign in Edo State, against Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The team which has Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, and Imo’s Governor Hope Uzodinma as Chairman and Deputy, respectively, also parades Lagos State’s Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and other Governors as members.

Recently sacked APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, also made the list.

This magazine gathered that Odigie-Oyegun may either publicly turn down the offer, or completely ignore it. He is a staunch supporter of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and openly disagreed with the party and Oshiomhole on the humiliation of Obaseki, which climaxed in denying him a second term ticket. Oyegun may not have been consulted before his name was put on the list.

However,  it is not known if Oshiomhole will actively take part in the campaign, but he worked hard to see to the disqualification of Obaseki, and the nomination of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the candidate.

The constitution of the team comes less than three months to the September 19, 2020,  Governorship election.

A 49-member high-level National Campaign Council for the September 19 Edo State Governorship Election has been selected by the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC.

Governor Obaseki will watch, perhaps, in shock, as four of his brother Governor- colleagues in his former party, will run him down while campaigning  for Ize-Iyamu, their former political foe.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the appointment of the council followed the approval of the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.

The Full List of Members are as follow:

1. H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Chairman
2. H.E. (Sen.) Hope Uzodinma – Deputy Chairman
3. Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege – Member
4. H.E. Inuwa Yahaya – Member
5. H.E. Alh. Yahaya Bello – Member

6.H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Member

7.H.E. (Chief) John Odigie-Oyegun – Member

8. H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole – Member
9. Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko – Member
10. H.E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Member
11. H.E. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu – Member
12. H.E. Sen. Owelle Roachas Okorocha – Member
13. H.E. Timipre Sylva – Member
14. H.E. Dr. Pius Odubu – Member
15. Sen. Degi Eremiemyo Biobaraku – Member
16. H.E. Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor – Member
17. H.E. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan -Member
18. Sen. John Owan Enoh – Member
19. Rt. Hon. E.J. Agbonayiman – Member
20. Engr. Babachir Lawal – Member
21. Prince B.B. Apugo – Member
22. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere – Member
23. Hon. Peter Akpatason – Member
24. Hon. Patrick Alsowleren – Member
25. Hon. Johnson Oghuma – Member
26. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Member
27. Hon. Pally Iriase – Member
28. Hon. Dennis Idahosa – Member
29. Mrs. Rachel Akpabio – Member
30. Mr. Bolaji Afeez – Member
31. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri – Member
32. Chief Cairo Ojougboh – Member
33. Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
34. Chief Ayiri Emami – Member
35. Hon. Abubakar Adagu Suberu – Member
36. Usman Nahuche – Member
37. Engr. Chidi Orji – Member
38. Dr. Almajiri Giadam – Member
39. Sen. Sa’idu Umar Kumo – Member
40. Chief Pius Akinyelure – Member
41. Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi – Member
42. Chief Solomon Edebiri – Member
43. Prof. Ebegue Amadasun – Member
44. Hon. Saturday Uwulekue – Member
45. Hon. Osaro Obaze – Member
46. Chief Samuel Ogbuku – Member
47. Miss. Rinsola Abiola – Member
48. Theresa Tekenel – Member
49. Hon. Abbas Braimoh – Member/Secretary