Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has attributed the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s Edo governorship election to strategic timing and adverse weather conditions.
Oshiomhole explained that floods, which overtook parts of the state before and during the election, highlighted the shortcomings of the PDP-led administration, playing a crucial role in the APC’s win.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV on Monday evening, a jubilant Oshiomhole recounted the series of events that worked in APC’s favor. He criticized the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, calling him a failure who, after eight years in office, couldn’t point to a single primary or secondary school he built.
“I’m excited that we won. Having served as governor for eight years, I understand the needs of the Edo people. I know the state I left behind, and what it has become under Obaseki,” Oshiomhole remarked. He added that some citizens blame him for Obaseki’s failure, but believes the election result reflected the people’s desire for change.
Oshiomhole also shed light on his decision to kneel before the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, noting it was out of deep respect for the Benin traditional institution. “I have always knelt before the Oba, and I will continue to do so. A father remains a father,” he stated.
During the campaign, Oshiomhole criticized Obaseki’s unfulfilled promises, including the construction of an industrial park and a seaport, which were never realized. He noted that areas meant for development remained overrun by lizards and snakes.
Oshiomhole further accused Obaseki of compromising drainage systems in Benin City, worsening the city’s flooding during the rainy season—a factor that kept many voters indoors and worked in APC’s favor.
While the election was marked by the APC’s victory, Yiaga Africa, an election observer group, condemned incidents of manipulation and result tampering by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security forces, particularly in Oshiomhole’s senatorial district.
