Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mocked Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole over the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
In a statement released on Sunday which he personally signed, Atiku described the victory of Obaseki as an end to godfatherism in the state. He also congratulated the PDP and Obaseki for his re-election victory in Saturday’s election.
The former Presidential candidate also hailed the good people of Edo state for their resilience before and during the exercise. Atiku noted that Obaseki’s victory is a declaration of independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism.
The statement read: “There is a new dawn in Edo state, and the hard-won victory of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is not just a victory, but a declaration of independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism and militarism.
“No victory could be sweeter than this, and I heartily congratulate the governor, and the good people of Edo state for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.
“Edo has a rich history as the centre of Black civilization, and to this, she is adding a new history as the bastion of Nigerian democracy. This double whammy of ancient and modern glories is a testament to a people who have for centuries set the pace as a beacon of light on the African continent.
“I most heartily congratulate the Peoples Democratic Party, who stood shoulder to shoulder, with the people of Edo and their government, in good times and bad. We, in the PDP, have shown that we are not fair-weather friends to the good people of Edo. “In good times, we will walk beside you. In bad times, we will be your true ‘comrade’. We will never be a turncoat. We will never abandon the principles we once espoused, so we can dine with our nemesis. Democracy has no nemesis. And this, the PDP has again proved.
“I look forward to the continuation of four more years of tangible development, and people-centred leadership from Governor Obaseki. I also seize this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Ewuare II, for the fatherly role he played as a neutral catalyst for peace. That this election was, by and large, free from violence, is a testament of the long and effective shadow he casts over his domain.
“From personal experience, I know Governor Obaseki to be a magnanimous man, and I urge Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to accept the right hand of fellowship that is likely to be extended to him. The leprous hand he is now holding can only lead to a destination of barrenness. He is amongst strange bedfellows, and I remind him that no matter how far one has gone on a wrong road, it is never too late to turn back and head in the right direction. The PDP is the right direction.”
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