Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has accused a former state governor of using a police helicopter to campaign for the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Obaseki made this allegation during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, expressing deep concern over the use of state security apparatus to influence the political landscape in Edo State.
The governor emphasised that the forthcoming election is a “do-or-die affair” for the people of Edo State, as they will not allow the APC to seize control of the state.
Obaseki’s remarks come amid heightened political tension in the state, with accusations of intimidation and unlawful detentions against the opposition.
He stated that if the opposition succeeds in taking over the state, it would spell doom for Edo and its people.
The governor’s concerns are tied to recent security actions in the state, which he described as biased and politically motivated.
Obaseki alleged that the former governor, who he did not name directly, has more security protection than even the sitting governor, further accusing him of using police helicopters to aid the APC’s campaign efforts.
“If you know what has been happening in the last few weeks, you would be very worried for Nigeria. A former governor of the state has more security cover than the sitting governor,” Obaseki said during the interview.
Obaseki also expressed frustration over what he perceives as selective enforcement by law enforcement agencies in Edo State.
The governor alleged that armed police officers have been arresting political opponents, particularly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), without trial or proper investigation.
He referenced a recent abduction incident in Esan Central, pointing out that two individuals were abducted earlier that day, adding to the growing list of politically motivated attacks in the state.
“How can the police be so biased in their so-called investigation?” Obaseki questioned, referring to an incident in which two individuals were detained by law enforcement.
The governor further explained that the detainees had been held for over three weeks without being charged with murder, despite the charges being altered to illegal possession of firearms.
He criticised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), stating that the police have failed to address the issue fairly and are using their authority to benefit the opposition party.
Obaseki’s concerns are not limited to political violence and security bias. He has also been vocal about Nigeria’s economic future and the need for urgent structural reforms.
Speaking on the country’s economic situation, the governor reiterated his belief that Nigeria cannot progress without a fundamental shift in its economic structure.
In another interview on Channels TV, Obaseki called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the current structure is outdated and ineffective for addressing modern challenges.
“The problem of Nigeria today is structural. The structure we have is expired,” Obaseki stated.
The governor believes that the country’s leaders have been relying on outdated solutions to solve current economic problems, and he called for bold reforms to steer Nigeria in the right direction.
“It’s not that the people in government are not intelligent. It’s not that they’re stupid. The issue is that they don’t have the courage to take the necessary steps to bring about real change,” Obaseki added.
Obaseki’s calls for restructuring echo a sentiment shared by many Nigerian leaders who believe that the country’s centralized economic system has failed to deliver on its promises.
The governor pointed out that despite the federal government’s efforts to tackle the country’s economic problems, Nigeria’s economy remains fragile and continues to face significant challenges.
“If we don’t make this structural shift, we are just wasting time. If this doesn’t happen, Nigeria will not move forward,” Obaseki said, reiterating the urgency of reforms.
