Obaseki’s response followed Okpebholo’s assertion that the former governor would be unwelcome in Edo State due to his perceived unpopularity and that he would face resistance if he tried to campaign against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Over the weekend, Okpebholo stated in an interview that Edo remains firmly behind Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing what he described as the President’s achievements in the state. He added that he would resign if Tinubu fails to secure re-election in 2027.
Okpebholo further alleged that Obaseki lacked the courage to visit the state to campaign for anyone other than Tinubu, claiming that residents, including children, would reject him due to his poor governance record.
“Everybody is for Asiwaju, who is Obaseki? Does he have one anywhere here? Let him come here now. He cannot come. His poor record will prevent him from going to Edo. Obaseki dares not come here. If Asiwaju does not win his re-election, I will resign as a governor,” he declared.
Reacting in a viral video on Monday, Obaseki described Okpebholo as a “villager” from Edo State who lacks the authority to prevent him from entering the state. He added that he deliberately refrained from commenting on Okpebholo’s administration since leaving office to allow his successor room to perform.
Obaseki said, “When you start with violence, you will reap violence. For one year since I left office, I have not said a word on his government. Suddenly, he started attacking my personality and threatening me. That was enough; he brought people to Manchester to attack me.”
Earlier this year, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Okpebholo of claiming credit for projects, such as the Temboga Road construction, that were initiated and completed during Obaseki’s tenure. The PDP described such claims as “disingenuous and misleading” and urged the governor to focus on delivering on his own administration’s promises.
