Edo 2020: Oyegun Refuses To Support Ize-Iyamu, Rallies Behind Obaseki

• Oyegun asks Edo people to vote their conscience and shun primitive politics

Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun, has hailed the perseverance and resolution of Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki over the persecution and victimisation he suffered during his time at the party.

You will recall that Obaseki quit APC for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to actualize his reelection bid after he was disqualified by APC national working committee set up by immediate past national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole.

In a statement issued on Monday, Oyegun refused to throw his weight behind gubernatorial aspiration  Osagie Ize-Iyamu, his party’s candidate in the Edo governorship election.

In what appears to be a parting swipe at Oshiomhole, Oyegun said the decision of Edo people is final in matters of who governs them, adding that no individual or group of people, whatever their status, can decide on their behalf.

He criticised the “forced exit” of Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, from the APC, saying the governor suffered “unacceptable indignity” while standing for the people.

“My views and statements on the Edo state political situation have been consistent. I strongly advised against the mistreatment of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by the late unlamented National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC. Governor Obaseki stood bravely for the dignity and pride of his people and in the process suffered unacceptable indignities,” the statement read.

“In the matter of who governs Edo State, the people are sovereign and no individual or group of people, whatever their status, can decide on their behalf.

“I stand with the people of Edo State and urge them to to come out massively to exercise their democratic rights. They should vote for good governance, common decency, principled leadership, especially in the political arena and the protection of their democratic rights.

“They should by their votes make clear that it is their right to choose their governor and nobody else’s. There is no room for fence sitters. This is a special situation and primitive loyalties should and must be set aside. Remember Mr President’s admonition in an equally challenging pre-election situation in Imo State, “vote your conscience.”