Renowned former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon, has recently disclosed the factors influencing his conspicuous absence from Nigeria’s political arena in recent years.
During a compelling interview on Channels TV, the seasoned politician elucidated on the two pivotal reasons that led to his hibernation.
Obahiagbon began by shedding light on his decision to disengage, attributing it to his observations during the preceding government administration led by Muhammadu Buhari. Expressing a deep-rooted conviction, he articulated, “In the last eight years, I came to a conclusion that the more you engaged in any genuine critical dialogue with the last government, the more President Buhari remained ossified. I refuse to indulge in political soliloquy with a leader unwilling to heed the voice of the people.”
The second rationale behind Obahiagbon’s withdrawal stems from a profound realization derived from his studies. He asserted, “I came to the realization that the only business of man on earth is the progressive evolution of himself. When we had a president that was not receptive to anybody, I decided to excuse myself.”
Looking ahead, Obahiagbon ventured into a prediction for the upcoming Edo governorship election, envisioning a significant showdown between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With a strategic analysis, he opined, “In most states, including Edo, I predict that the governorship election is going to be a fierce battle primarily between the APC and PDP. The Labour Party is not expected to make a substantial impact in Edo State.”
He concluded with a cautionary note, stating, “I predict that this election is for the APC. If, God forbid, we lose in Edo State, it could be because we’ve not been able to manage the situation effectively.” Obahiagbon’s insights provide a unique perspective on the political landscape, shedding light on his deliberate hiatus and offering a glimpse into the dynamics of the forthcoming elections.
