Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticized the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, calling his administration a failure. Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Oshiomhole expressed disappointment in Obaseki’s governance, citing multiple instances of mismanagement, unfulfilled promises, and the alienation of political allies.
According to Oshiomhole, Obaseki isolated himself by severing ties with key figures in Edo State, leaving him politically “lonely.” He accused Obaseki of misusing his authority, threatening citizens, and failing to live up to the trust placed in him by the Edo people.
Oshiomhole remarked, “Obaseki misgoverned Edo, defrauded its people, and ruled with an iron fist, jailing innocent individuals and alienating the very supporters who once backed him.”
Reflecting on Obaseki’s two-term tenure, Oshiomhole described how the current governor’s political survival depended on external support from figures like Nyesom Wike in 2020. However, with his allies distancing themselves, Obaseki struggled to maintain power. “This time, he’s burned his bridges,” Oshiomhole said, adding that Obaseki’s political career has been consigned “to the dustbin of history.”
Regarding the recent gubernatorial election, Oshiomhole dismissed criticisms from election observers, asserting that their perspectives do not outweigh the credibility of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He also voiced strong support for the governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, praising his humility and rejecting the need for “arrogant” leadership in Edo State.
Addressing questions about Okpebholo’s limited media presence, Oshiomhole defended the governor-elect, stating that only the voters in Edo, not the media or outsiders, have the right to decide their leader.