Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said that he will not return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that doing so will not be a mark of integrity on his part.
Obaseki was elected governor in 2015 on the platform of APC. The governor however defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after he was disqualified from contesting in the governorship primary election for Edo by the APC.
The governor was re-elected in the September 19 governorship election in the state after polling 307,955 votes to defeat Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC, who secured 223,619 votes.
Speaking with journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock on Friday, the governor said leaving the PDP for the APC goes “against Buhari’s gospel of integrity”.
Obaseki said he should be dealt with if he attempts to become a “godfather” after his time in office. According to him, godfatherism does not have a place in Edo.
The governor said he was in Aso Villa to show his gratitude for his stance in the election despite being the leader of the country’s ruling party.
He said, “So, this morning we are here in the villa to show our profound gratitude and appreciation for this, which on the surface will look normal but the implications are very far reaching. Because, this is a sitting president whose party’s was contesting an election and insisted that the right thing be done and a level playing field be created for contestants. By doing so, that singular action has deepened our democracy, far beyond what we can understand and imagine today.
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“So, for that act alone, we felt we must come and say thank you. Mr President in his characteristic humorous manner; said he reluctantly congratulated me for beating his party. He also pointed that his role first and foremost as president of Nigeria, is to be president of all regardless of party, race, tribe, creed. We couldn’t ask for more from Mr President, he really played the role of a statesman.”
On whether he will return to the APC, Obaseki said, ”Gleaning from the comments of Mr President, he said that he wants to leave a democracy that is built on integrity, accountability and hard work. Those were his words and I subscribe totally to that. It will not show integrity; it will not demonstrate somebody that has ethical or moral foundation to do what you asked about. I couldn’t have contested in one party, won on that party and then consider moving to another party. It is not the kind of thing to do, it’s not the right thing to do and I am sure you will not encourage me to do that.”
On his position on god-fatherism, he said, “God forbid I become a godfather, I should be dealt with accordingly because it’s dangerous to the concept of democracy.”
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