Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly taunted Senator Adams Oshiomhole, claiming that the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has betrayed him after receiving Oshiomhole's support in his rise to power.
Akpabio highlighted the pivotal role Oshiomhole played in Obaseki’s ascent to the governorship of Edo State, emphasizing how Obaseki has now turned against the person who made his governorship possible.
During a Senate debate, Akpabio said: “The man you brought in as governor (Obaseki) has turned against you and against democracy,” directly addressing Oshiomhole on the Senate floor.
Oshiomhole responded by clarifying the situation, stating: “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him, just the way you supported Governor Udom,” in reference to Akpabio’s previous political support.
It is widely known that Oshiomhole was instrumental in Obaseki’s rise to power during the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, despite opposition from leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had their preferred candidates.
At the time, APC leaders were rallying behind either Oshiomhole’s then-deputy, Pius Odubu, or another politician as their chosen successor, yet Oshiomhole's endorsement of Obaseki ultimately led to his victory over Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, two years into Obaseki’s tenure, many party leaders began to voice their frustrations, particularly due to Obaseki’s refusal to involve them in the administration’s governance. This issue eventually reached Oshiomhole himself, whose attempts to mediate the conflict failed.
Obaseki, defiant in the face of pressure, declared that he would not allow any political godfather to dictate his actions or blackmail him. This firm stance marked the beginning of the Cold War between him and Oshiomhole.
As the 2024 Edo governorship election approached, Obaseki made efforts to reconcile with Oshiomhole for the sake of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, but despite the attempt, Ighodalo lost the election.