In Edo State, the name “Obaseki” has become synonymous with betrayal, ambition, and political opportunism. Once a governor hailed as a hope for the future, Godwin Obaseki’s journey to power has left many in the state with a bitter taste in their mouths. His story is not just one of political ambition but also a reflection of how leaders can rise on the shoulders of others only to turn against them when they reach the top.
When Obaseki first came into the political spotlight, it was the All Progressives Congress (APC) that gave him a platform. The APC believed in his potential and made him the party’s candidate for governor in 2016. Under their banner, Obaseki won the election and became the Governor of Edo State. At first, he seemed promising. Many people saw him as a fresh face, someone who would bring a new approach to leadership. He was even credited with some developmental strides in the state, particularly in the area of infrastructure.
However, what followed in the years to come left many disillusioned. Obaseki’s first term was marked by internal struggles within the APC. The same party that had lifted him up soon became the arena for his political ambitions and, ultimately, his downfall. As his term progressed, Obaseki began to distance himself from those who had supported him. He became more focused on his personal agenda, leaving behind the people who had once helped him rise to power.
In 2020, as Obaseki sought re-election, the APC made the surprising decision to deny him the ticket to run for a second term. This decision was not taken lightly by Obaseki. Rather than stay and fight for his political future within the party, he jumped ship and joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His move to the PDP was seen by many as a strategic move to save his political career, but it also raised questions about his loyalty and integrity. How could a man who owed his rise to the APC simply walk away?
Obaseki’s entrance into the PDP was not smooth. He found favour within the party, securing the ticket for re-election. However, this success came at the expense of those who had worked hard to bring him to the top. In a classic political move, Obaseki used the efforts and successes of others to climb to the pinnacle of power again. But once he reached the top, he betrayed the very people who gave him the room to explore and thrive. The same party members who had backed him in the past were now discarded, with no regard for the loyalty they had shown him.
One of the most vocal critics of Obaseki’s actions has been Chief Dan Orbih, a prominent political figure in Edo State. Orbih’s statement that “the name ‘Obaseki’ is offensive; nobody wants to hear the name in Edo State” speaks volumes about the deep sense of betrayal felt by many. It is not just about Obaseki’s actions but also the perception he has created among the people of Edo State. His shift from APC to PDP and his subsequent betrayal of those who helped him rise to power have left a bitter legacy.
The people of Edo State are no strangers to political change. They have seen leaders come and go, but few have left such a negative impression as Obaseki. His rise to power, built on the support of others, is now overshadowed by his actions and the way he discarded those who once believed in him. His name, once associated with hope and progress, is now a symbol of betrayal and political opportunism.
As the PDP Edo State looks to the future, the people are left with a question: Can a leader who has shown such disregard for loyalty truly be trusted again? Obaseki’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition without integrity. It serves as a reminder that in politics, it is not just about where you rise, but how you get there and who you leave behind.
In the end, the name “Obaseki” has long been forgotten in Edo State, but for all the wrong reasons. It stands as a symbol of how political success, built on the backs of others, can quickly turn to ashes if not handled with care and respect. The people of Edo State have spoken, and they have made it clear: they no longer want to hear the name “Obaseki.”
Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article, they’re strictly the writer’s
