Embattled governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said President Muhammadu Buhari has assured him of his support for the state’s governorship election, scheduled for September.
Obaseki mentioned this to journalists after presenting his nomination and expression of interest forms to President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
The governor is seeking re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Obaseki, who is in a political battle with the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, told the president he has the support of Edo indigenes for his re-election.
“The president was quite warm, was quite welcoming when I showed him my special interest forms, he looked through it and attest to that he will not have to go through this again and wished me good luck and assured me of his support,” the governor said.
Speaking on the friction between him and Oshiomhole, Governor Obaseki said the APC National Chairman, who is his immediate predecessor, has been misguided about developments in Edo State.
He said: “We believe that because of a connection which we have created with our people, we have no doubt in our minds that we will win any elections: direct, indirect, or general elections in Edo State.
“The problem in Edo is not from within Edo, it is from outside. So I don’t see the person I am competing or contesting against, he is not in Edo, he is in Abuja.
“It is unfortunate, the position he (Oshiomiole) has taken I believe that he was misguided, well not properly guided, and as governor and his governor, it is my responsibility to seek peace for my state and with all my citizens.”
Governor Obaseki will on 22 June battle for the sole APC ticket in the governorship primary alongside Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is believed to have the backing of Oshiomhole.
