Edo Guber 2024: Tactical Horse-trading May Produce A Consensus Candidate

In a strategic move, it seems that there are emerging discussions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State regarding the selection of a consensus candidate for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

According to a reliable source, the goal is to prevent internal conflicts and ensure a unified position before the primaries. This strategy is in response to past experiences where internal disputes led to a poor showing at the polls.

Several aspirants, including Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu, Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, Felix Akhabue, Asue Ighodalo, Aslem Ojezua, and others, have expressed their intentions to contest in the primaries.

Investigation through back channel sources revealed that the criteria for selecting the consensus candidate will include loyalty to the party, network, accessibility, cultural understanding of Edo people, statewide name recall, marketability, political experience, vision, and a non-controversial disposition.

According to an anonymous source, Earl Dr. Osaro Onaiwu, the immediate past Director General of PDP Governors Forum and a founding member of the party, is seen as a strong candidate who possesses the majority of the desired qualities.

The source highlights Onaiwu’s commitment, political sagacity, and analytical mind, stating that he has been at the forefront of the party’s struggles and understands the political landscape well.

The source also notes Onaiwu’s nationwide political contacts, emphasizing that he could leverage these connections to benefit Edo State. Additionally, Onaiwu is portrayed as a unifying figure with a deep-rooted commitment to the party and the people, suggesting that Onaiwu’s candidacy could ensure a rancor-free election and continuity of victory for the party.

The source noted that, Onaiwu is a very disciplined and committed member of the party since 1999 till date, with records of his active role in the 2019 and 2023 presidential campaigns of the PDP.

He said, “Osaro Onaiwu coming this far, against the backdrop of all kinds of apostasy in politics as at today, is an eloquent testimony of his lucidity of character, political sagacity and highly numerate analytical mind, which are qualities that has endeared him to all who have had the privilege of his acquaintance or working alongside with him in the various assignments that PDP has given to him.”

The investigation suggests that the party leaders are determined to secure victory at the polls and maintain control of Osadebey House. It is hinted that the party leaders will disclose their resolution in the coming days for the betterment of the party.

However, it is important to highlight that this information is based on an anonymous source, and the actual developments may unfold differently. The party elders and leaders are not hamstringed in their resolve, knowing full well that the selection of a consensus candidate is oftentimes dependent on negotiations and agreements among party leaders and members.

On the whole, the source said if the recent mantra about being homeboy or not is a deciding factor in the political equation of who flies the party’s flag, then Onaiwu is a perfect match, as he is a thoroughbred Bini personality who’s fiercely proud of being an Edo person and supports the Edo cultural orientation of the connecting dialects that make up the state and also, he’s known to have maintained genuine friendship with both the high and low without predilection to social status, gender or others advantages.