Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program which was duly monitored by Truth Live News, the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Edo State, Omobayo Godwins, shed light on his decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) and join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Godwins emphasized that his shift in political allegiance was motivated by the PDP’s promise of a brighter future for his political career. This move comes after his appointment following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Godwins expressed his unwavering support for the PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for the upcoming September 21 Edo Governorship election. He highlighted the importance of his appointment as deputy governor, just months before Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure ends, as part of the strategic plan to bolster Ighodalo’s chances of victory against his primary contenders, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With a strong grassroots support base in Akoko Edo, a local government in the Edo North Senatorial District, Godwins aims to leverage his influence to enhance Ighodalo’s prospects. Ighodalo, hailing from Ewohimi in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo Central Senatorial District, can benefit from Godwins’ strategic positioning and regional support.
Godwins expressed his disappointment with the Labour Party, citing significant changes within the party since the 2023 polls. He recalled his unsuccessful bid for the Federal House of Representatives seat in the Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency during that period. The deputy governor highlighted irreconcilable differences and internal conflicts among party members as key factors influencing his decision to leave the Labour Party.
Omobayo Godwins, the new Deputy Governor of Edo State, made a significant political move by switching his allegiance from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party. He firmly believes in the PDP’s promise of a brighter political future and aims to support Asue Ighodalo’s governorship aspirations. With his grassroots support base and strategic positioning in the Edo North Senatorial District, Godwins aims to contribute to Ighodalo’s success in the upcoming election. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this shift will impact the political dynamics in Edo State.
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