The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its full support for former Governor Godwin Obaseki, insisting that his legacy must be protected from what it describes as attempts to undermine his achievements. The party made the declaration in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie.
The PDP accused the current administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of fueling tension in the state through what it called “destructive politics,” adding that Obaseki’s record in office should not be distorted or attacked by those who “contributed nothing to Edo’s progress.”
The statement comes at a time when political disagreements between the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State appear to be deepening, especially following the transition from Obaseki’s leadership to the new administration under Okpebholo.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Dan Osa-Ogbegie said the PDP remains “solidly, unequivocally and unapologetically” behind Obaseki. He noted that the former governor governed with courage, protected the state’s treasury, and worked to uplift the people of Edo despite facing intense political pressure during his time in office.
“We will not allow his legacy to be undermined by those who contributed nothing to Edo’s progress,” Osa-Ogbegie said.
“We stand with him because he governed with courage, protected Edo’s treasury, uplifted Edo’s people and resisted the predatory demands of political godfathers. History will vindicate him. Edo people already have.”
Obaseki, who served two terms as governor between 2016 and 2024, was widely known for his clashes with political godfathers in the state, especially during his second-term election bid when he left the APC for the PDP. His administration focused on civil service reforms, education, digital governance, infrastructural renewal, and efforts to strengthen local institutions.
The PDP says these achievements must not be allowed to be erased or dismissed for political reasons.
The party’s statement comes amid growing concerns about tension between the PDP and the APC in the aftermath of the 2024 governorship election, which brought Okpebholo into office. The transition has been marked by accusations, political rivalry, and public exchanges between supporters of both parties.
The PDP accused Governor Okpebholo’s handlers of trying to paint Obaseki in a negative light and reversing some of his policies out of political bitterness rather than genuine concern for governance. The party argued that such actions were capable of destabilising the state and creating unnecessary unrest.
According to the statement, the conduct of the governor and his team “is overheating the polity and may precipitate a seismic conflagration if not immediately curtailed.” The PDP insisted that politics in the state should be focused on delivering good governance, not settling personal or political scores.
In its statement, the PDP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and rein in members of the APC in Edo State. It urged the president to caution party members whose actions, according to the PDP, were heating up the state’s political environment.
The party argued that APC leaders were pursuing politics driven by “bitterness, not service; vendetta, not vision.” It warned that unless such tendencies are checked, the political climate in the state could deteriorate further, with negative consequences for governance and development.
Godwin Obaseki’s eight years in office were characterized by significant reforms but also prolonged political battles. His conflict with former APC national chairman Adams Oshiomhole led to his exit from the APC and his eventual platform switch to the PDP, which supported his re-election in 2020.
Obaseki’s supporters praise him for bringing financial discipline, reforming public institutions, and pushing digital innovation. Critics, however, accuse him of being too confrontational and isolating political allies.
Despite the controversy, the PDP insists that Obaseki’s legacy is one of progress, particularly in the civil service, primary education through the EdoBEST programme, and efforts to curb corruption in public spending.
With Okpebholo now in office, the battle over who controls the narrative of Edo’s political direction has intensified.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office in 2024, has been working to establish his administration’s priorities. However, he has faced early criticism from opposition parties, including the PDP, which accuses him of reversing policies without proper evaluation.
Although Okpebholo has defended his decisions as necessary steps to reposition the state, he also faces internal pressure to deliver visible results that distinguish his government from his predecessor’s.
In its statement, the PDP stressed that while it remains committed to peaceful politics and democratic governance, it will not tolerate attempts to destroy what it described as Obaseki’s “hard-earned achievements.”
The party urged its members and supporters across the state to remain calm but stay vigilant. It also encouraged Edo people to continue evaluating leaders based on performance, not political rhetoric.
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Edo residents, reminding them that political battles should not distract from the need for development, security, and economic stability.
