Any casual observer will easily assume that Nigeria is conducting a national elections considering the amount of energy, passion and following the Edo governorship elections is generating. Even people in far away places like Lagos, Imo, Sokoto and Kano etc. are so interested in the outcome of the election, regardless of the fact that it has no direct bearing on their own states. However, to those that understand how politics is played in Nigeria, Edo may be just one state out of 36 others but the outcome of it will have ripple effect on others and even the Nigerian polity.

Below are the 7 reasons why most politically inclined Nigerians are following the Edo Guber, bumper to bumper.

1. It Was A Battle Between The Godfathers and The Masses:

Nigerian politics is infamously known as a dirty business where the gentle and civilized people should avoid for their own sanity and safety. The stakes were taking so high albeit in the wrong direction and only those with godfathers who has enough illgotten money, connections and the mindset to unleash violence were expected to win in such do or die scenario.

Obaseki is largely seen to have performed above average in Edo state, but that notwithstanding, a certain godfather unilaterally decided to remove him and install his own puppet in the person of Ize Iyamu. The godfather who is lacking in integrity and character, forgot that the same person he wants to replace the incumbent with, was the person he once condemned as having nothing to offer.

He forcefully pushed the incumbent governor from their party, replaced him and joined forces with other godfathers.

On one side was the godfathers namely Oshomole, Tinubu, Kabaka etc. Vs. Obaseki & the people of Edo state.

2. Nigerians Are Angry At the Ruling Party:

The suffering Nigerians are currently passing through is unprecedented in the history of the country yet the ruling party still behaves like all is well and go about inflicting one punitive measure after another on the suffering masses with no care at all.

Frustration among the people is now high and fast approaching a tipping point. The Edo state election may be a litmus test at the extent of the people's anger against the ruling party and its anti people policies.

3. It Was A Fight Between A Bully & An Underdog:

People always like to support the underdog, especially when they're fighting against a wicked bully.

The way the godfathers ganged up against Obaseki was too mien and ruthless. Oshomole even called the Lagos godfather to help him as well as a notorious tout called Kabaka while Obaseki had no one on his side except the masses.

4. People Are Wary Of Another Subversion of Justice:

There is a general consensus that APC is no longer as popular as it was in 2015 when they came to power. Since then, there is a general believe that they are using state institutions like the Judiciary, Army and Police in forcing themselves on the people. Classic examples of where the will of the people was not allowed to take hold include Imo state, Osun state and Kogi state.

People of Edo state and indeed other Nigerians are wary that same could happen to Edo state and thus all eyes is on the state to see what will happen.

5. It Was A Fight Between Forces Of Darkness and Light:

Edo election was largely seen as a battle between forces of darkness and light. On one side was an amalgam of questionable characters such as Oshobaba, The godfather of Lagos aka the Bullion Van General, The Dollar man of Kano, A notorious Tout among others Vs. Obaseki and The Edo People.

The evil forces were also trying to play God, one of them even called Obaseki's wife barren. That statement angered lots of Nigerians and helped to bring more support to Obaseki.

The final verdict of the election is yet to be announced but the anything short of allowing the people's wish to stand could cause crises.

Hmmn

Pastor ize iyamu is Edo state next governor,if he doesn't get it through the polls he will get it through the court.

Long live poi
Long live Edo state.

Holyterrorist:
Pastor ize iyamu is Edo state next governor,if he doesn't get it through the polls he will get it through the court.

Long live poi
Long live Edo state.

Lolz, in your dreams. Ize Iyamu has lost out and there is nothing they can do about it. Edo no be Lagos

The godfather who is lacking in integrity and character, forgot that the same person he wants to replace the incumbent with, was the person he once condemned as having nothing to offer. 

He forcefully pushed the incumbent governor from their party, replaced him and joined forces with other godfathers.On one side was the godfathers namely Oshomole, Tinubu, Kabaka etc vs Obaseki & people of Edo state.
The Final Results (Official)
Obaseki - 307,955
Ize-Iyamu - 223,619

Edo is no Lagos

Shame on Ambode.

Woe unto Oshiomhole.

Gondonu:
The end result;

Hahaha, they should keep these two retired godfathers on suicide watch. Sniper should be banned wherever they are right now.

Edo no be Lagos for real

You forgot factors like
Wike factor
Fear of visa ban
The slogan Edo no be Lagos

dyera:
Edo is no Lagos

Shame on Ambode.

Woe unto Oshiomhole.

Honestly, big shame on Ambode!
If Ambode had the kind of courage Obaseki displayed, he would have been able to save Lagos from the wicked grip of Tinubu.

Interesting....

It was a referendum for tinubu

greatdreamer:
You forgot factors like
Wike factor
Fear of visa ban
The slogan Edo no be Lagos

You're right, those factors you listed also contributed. The APC evil men in the likes of Osho the beast, the Dollar theif of Kano, the bullion van rogue of Lagos and the rest were hoping to unleash mayhem and whatever it takes to win by all means but the threat of Visa ban announced by USA and UK scared the sh!t out of them.

Wike too helped in countering those evil men and that slogan.

Shame on APC!
Shame on the rogue godfathers!!

Holyterrorist:
Pastor ize iyamu is Edo state next governor,if he doesn't get it through the polls he will get it through the court.

Long live poi
Long live Edo state.

After this i.diot Will want to convince people to support APC

Mikecold:
It was a referendum for tinubu

The three biggest losers are Ize Iyamu, Oshomole and Tinubu in no particular order.

Oshomole is no doubt on his way to extinction politically while the humiliation on Tinubu is going to be the beginning of his disastrous fall.

proeast:


Honestly, big shame on Ambode!
If Ambode had the kind of courage Obaseki displayed, he would have been able to save Lagos from the wicked grip of Tinubu.

Ambode had the best chance to dethrone Tinubu in Lagos state. As a performing sitting governor, the power at his disposal was enormous, but he chickened out instead of using it to fight.

Gondonu:
The godfather who is lacking in integrity and character, forgot that the same person he wants to replace the incumbent with, was the person he once condemned as having nothing to offer. 

He forcefully pushed the incumbent governor from their party, replaced him and joined forces with other godfathers.On one side was the godfathers namely Oshomole, Tinubu, Kabaka etc vs Obaseki & people of Edo state.
The Final Results (Official)
Obaseki - 307,955
Ize-Iyamu - 223,619

You have summarised Nigerian politicians in the above sentence.
No morals
No shame
No conscience
No direction
No intention of making the society better. All that matters is who and what will bring more money for them.
Their greed and wickedness is boundless.

Same Oshiomole whom the whole of Nigeria loved when he was heading NLC, and would have gone on to become president if he had continued with his championing of the masses.
That love was what made Edo people vote him as governor. Same way the people rallied behind Obaseki now.
But Oshiomole forgot those who made him become what he is today. He trod on them. He made himself godfather after the people made him a father. Same godfather position he declared is over after the people helped him overcome Igbinedion dynasty.
I just wish there's justice that can strip him of all the wealth he has stolen from the people.