He showed up in Edo Politics in 2007. Since then, he has been a factor, having been Governor, godfather, Chairman of his Party, and then currently, Senator of the Federal Republic.
At the end of his tenure in 2016, he hand-picked Godwin Obaseki to be his successor. On the campaign trail—He spoke himself hoarse; He danced until his feet gave way; He stridently made the argument for Godwin Obaseki.
The people heard him. He was their hero after all. He could not tell them a lie.
Not a little while later, Oshiomhole became a pariah in Edo State. Godwin declared him persona non grata. He warned him not to step foot in Edo State. There could be only one governor in the State.
It was Obaseki-time.
Not one to be counted out, Oshiomhole re-emerged to campaign for an old enemy in 2020.
The people could not understand how Oshiomhole could face them again, and go on his knees to make the argument for an old foe.
How could he say something yesterday, and turn around to unsay it the next day?
You may want to call his style political opportunism. You may want to call it political pragmatism. Anyway you slice it, his style is uniquely political Oshiomholeism.
As the 2024 political cycle enters the final stretches, it is to be seen whether Oshiomhole will, like the proverbial old Cat, prove to be a man with 9 political lives. He has a horse in the race. Godwin Obaseki also has a horse in the race. This will be a battle of the godfathers.
Can Oshiomhole be an ace in the race? Will Godwin prevail?
According to legendary singer Bob Dylan—“The answer is blowing in the wind.”
John James.
Correspondent,
Egogonewshub.com
