Omobayo Godwins: Real reason Obaseki appointed Labour Party chieftain as new deputy revealed

Andrew Emwanta, former Edo State Commissioner for Information, has made claims regarding Governor Godwin Obaseki’s appointment of Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), as his new deputy.

Emwanta alleges that Obaseki’s decision stems from his close ties with the LP, suggesting a strategic move in preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. He further asserts that Obaseki might be secretly backing the LP’s candidate, Olumude Akpata, in case of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) inability to field a candidate due to internal crises.

Following the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Obaseki named 38-year-old Omobayo as the new deputy on Monday. Omobayo previously contested under the LP in the 2023 general election for Akoko Edo Federal Constituency of the State.

During an appearance on an Arise TV program on Monday night, Emwanta questioned Obaseki’s choice, expressing surprise at the appointment of a non-PDP member as deputy.

He remarked, “The Speaker, it was the deputy governor that paid for his nomination form. We were in court to prevent them from being kicked out as candidates of the PDP. The governor did not clear any road; he was supporting a Labour Party candidate. The person who was sworn in today was the Labour Party candidate in the last election.”

Emwanta emphasized the governor’s alleged dual party allegiances, stating, “For the governor not to even bring people of his party on board is bad. If anybody should replace Shaibu, it should be a PDP member, not a Labour Party member.”

Regarding Omobayo’s appointment, Emwanta highlighted, “The person who was sworn in did not deny that he was the LP candidate who contested under that platform.”

He also disclosed, “The governor also offered me a Labour Party ticket. He operates as a PDP member during the day and Labour Party at night.”