Edo state: In Edo Central, Unusual Realignment is the next Election Master Joker Card.

Arc Emuan & Alhaji Isiwele

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

EKPOMA — As the State wide tour train of Governor Obaseki traverse the length and breadth of Edo State, realignments and cross-carpeting have now become the catch phrase in the politics of Edo state. The drama of cross-carpeting and counter cross-carpeting for personal, communal and corporate gains continues.

Vigorous consultations have continued to hold sway in all the three Senatorial districts of Edo State with leaders and aspirants of various political parties for the forthcoming council elections and the 2019 general elections traversing villages and towns to 'recruit' new entrants in the name of decamping.

It is recalled that "Edo is One" under the leadership of Arc (Dr) Austin Ilenre Emuan are all out to bring more members from other political parties to the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Edo state. In a solidarity visit to Chief Alhaji Musa Isiwele who was once a PDP chieftain in Edo central but officially decamped with hundreds of his supporters to APC recently; Arc. Emuan expressed gratitude that APC is receiving such calibre of personalities. He praised the decision of Chief Alhaji Musa Isiwele to join hands in the building of Esan people's political structure that would be viable and strong under justice and equity.

He revealed that APC is already strong and firm on ground in Edo state, and the decampees are also experienced politicians whose wealth of experience would undauntedly impact positively to the party’s structure. Therefore, he has no doubt in his mind that their coming to APC is plus to the general well-being of the people of Edo State. He further waved his beckoning hands to others yet to come that the doors are always open to welcome them.

Viewing from the angle of marginalization of Esan people from the past governments and infrastructural decay around the Ekpoma axis particularly, the body languages of the incumbent Governor of Edo state reveal that such ugly scenario would be a thing of the past. The state wide tour would give the Governor a close encounter and understanding of the real needs of the people.

It is very important to note that Governor Obaseki recent moves reveal politicking towards 2019 in all manners. The incumbent APC government in Nigeria and the opposition PDP, are optimistic that come 2019, the political pendulum will swing in their favour.

Arc Emuan & Alhaji Isiwele

Surprisingly in Nigeria today, there are no clear indications which party may be at the hilltop mansion( Ask Rock) come 2019. Both parties are drenched by a flood of uncertainties, and are fighting hard to secure the commitment of their members and the electorates ahead of the commencement of political campaigns for the populous year 2019 in Nigeria. Though Edo State is currently governed by the APC, the party’s chance of having an overwhelming victory come 2019 would be threatened if it allows exodus of its key members to the PDP.

However, the ranks of the APC in Edo State is swelling with new decampees ever since Governor Obaseki became the governor of the state. Defections to the APC have been unceasing. The PDP has lost some of its top-brass foundation members in the State especially in the Edo central district who are vigorously eager to depart from the state's opposition strong hold that resulted in the obvious neglects received from the past government.