Edo state commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and the state’s chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed on Tuesday, April 30, over godfatherism and competent governorship candidates for the September 21, election.

Nehikhare, an ally of Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fired the first salvo in a press statement, by describing APC’s governorship candidate in the state, Monday Okpebholo, as camera-shy and ineloquent politician, while alleging that APC and Okpebholo did not mean well for Edo residents.

He titled his press statement: “APC’s infantile antics to return the godfathers, starve Edo people of development.”

He said: “I watched with disdain and utmost disappointment, the most recent embarrassing outing of Senator Monday Okpebholo, wherein he promised to release Edo State’s resources to political leaders, in exchange for their support to clinch the governorship seat.

“Stuttering and muttering his words, after several efforts to get his handlers to polish him up to publicly address the people, Senator Okpebholo said he would end the ‘suffering’ of political leaders under Godwin Obaseki by granting them unfettered access to the people’s purse, while neglecting the state’s development and short-changing the majority of Edo people. 

“So, in Senator Okpebholo’s warped thinking, the best reward system for his political benefactors is to end their ‘suffering’ by sharing the patrimony and resources of Edo State among these predatory few, as against prioritising the development of the state.”

Nehikhare also stated that it was nonsensical for anyone to suggest that a governor must remain loyal to non-state actors, who allowed their selfish interests to supersede those of the people.

Edo APC, through its assistant publicity secretary, Victor Osehobo, in its reaction, titled: “Debunking the misguided misinformation of the PDP government and setting the records straight,” accused Nehikhare and his PDP’s government in the state of standing truth on its head, and embellishing falsehood for almost eight years of poor governance, mismanagement of the state’s resources, legacy of broken pledges, and spurious Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

It said: “Fortunately for us, the ever-enlightened people of Edo State, the archaic antics of the sinking PDP’s government, led by the outgoing governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will soon come to an end (on November 12, 2024).

“Contrary to the unfounded allegations hurled against Senator Monday Okpebholo, his commitment to the welfare and development of Edo State is unwavering. Any suggestion that he intends to prioritise the interests of a select few over the broader populace is not only baseless, but also malicious. 

“Senator Okpebholo’s vision for Edo State is anchored on progress, and equitable distribution of resources for the betterment of all residents, something that is alien to the PDP. Is it not a case of pot calling kettle black, for the PDP to be hawking the notion that the APC is synonymous with godfatherism?

“PDP originated godfatherism in 1999, and has since then modified and perfected the venom across the country. In 2024, in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, who is not a member of the PDP, was imposed as its governorship candidate by his godfather, Godwin Obaseki. So, the claims about the APC not only lack substance, but also disregard the democratic principles upon which the party is founded. APC stands for transparency, accountability, and good governance, values that are very confusing to the PDP. 

“Senator Okpebholo’s candidacy embodies principles, and his track record speaks volumes about his dedication to serving the people of Edo State selflessly. It is no longer a secret that Edo PDP has been plagued by credibility crises, since the godfather, Godwin Obaseki, joined the party on June 19, 2020, ahead of the September 19, 2020 governorship election. PDP is a party brewed in godfatherism, and it is marred by corruption, ineptitude, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the people.”

The main opposition APC in Edo also stated that the attempt by Nehikhare to portray the PDP as a viable alternative to the APC in Edo 2024 governorship election was not only misleading, but laughable, pointing out that relevant PDP and Labour Party’s (LP’s) chieftains were now defecting to Edo APC in droves.