Lessons To Be Learnt : Why Edo South APC Needs A Great Leader Like Adams Oshiomhole

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

On Saturday, the general elections were concluded with the rerun of inconclusive elections across the federation, resulting in the final list of winners for the 2023 general elections.

Edo State saw its fair share of rerun elections, with three House of Assembly seats and a House of Representatives seat finally held.The APC won the Orhionmwon/Uhunwonde Federal Constituency, while the PDP took home the seats in the House of Assembly for Ovia Southwest, Egor, and Oredo East.


Widespread irregularities that were skewed in favour of the PDP were the initial cause of the election's inconclusiveness. The House of Assembly elections were, in fact, a do-or-die situation for State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu; they were acting out of desperation due to the threat of impeachment.

Keep in mind that Obaseki lost every Senate and House of Representatives seat in the presidential and National Assembly elections, with the exception of Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency.
The Governor claimed that in order to avoid being impeached—which seemed likely after Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the presidency—he required a sizable majority in the House.

The grand plan was to win all HOA seats and win the National Assembly elections, but in Edo North, Obaseki was met with the Rock of Gibraltar in the form of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

Now, this is the primary point of my analysis that I believe Edo South APC leaders should take note of; as a sympathetic supporter of the APC in Edo State and even throughout the country, here is my candid suggestion for the Edo APC.

This is why Edo South requires a leader such as Adams Oshiomhole.

If you recall, Adams Oshiomhole made a live video in Iyamho during voting in both the Presidential and National Assembly elections about how the Deputy Governor was moving across Edo North with thugs and military personnel in an attempt to sabotage the electoral process if he could not manipulate the PDP winning in the units and wards.

Oshiomhole did not stop at identifying and exposing threats; he also warned the necessary security authorities to call their people to order and behave in accordance with the mandate granted to them by the electoral act and the constitution, which protects our democracy from such heinous crimes against citizens and humanity.

Oshiomhole is a leader not only in words but also in actions. For example, 24 hours before the elections, it was alleged that Philip Shaibu ordered the arrest of the APC Deputy State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, in an attempt to make him UNAVAILABLE for the elections; it was Adams Oshiomhole's efforts that saw to his release the same day.

What counter-efforts did Edo South make to halt the State Governor's alleged rigging machineries? How did they mobilise their people, like Oshiomhole did, to oppose alleged collation centre manipulation of results?

Edo South, which appears to have more leaders than Edo North, should take a break and study the SIGNIFICANCE of Oshiomhole's leadership more closely. While it is true that Oshiomhole is the APC's leader in the state, what corresponding efforts has Edo South made in the state to merit their own leadership?

Why is Edo South currently as porous as ever that even the leadership in the APC can't have a grasp on the electorates any longer? Leadership is no longer by force or default; rather, it is by actually leading the people. This explains why it must alter, as well.

You see, Oshiomhole is an open democrat; his home is not only open to all, but he hears each individual's cries and tells the narrative as it should be. Oshiomhole never lies to his people, and he is always available to help them solve their difficulties.

Be aware that doing this hurt the leaders' pockets a lot because no problem is ever truly solved without some sort of financial incentive. APC members and the general populace have lost respect for the leaders of Edo South over the years due to what they perceive as being stingy and money-conscious.

If we do not address the complaints of APC youths and members across Edo South, we are not only doing the party an injustice, but we are also living in self-denial. Oshiomhole stands out as being more humanitarian than the leaders of Edo South, who the populace once more accuses of being egotistical.

Edo South leaders must, in reality, close ranks, abandon their egos, and work towards one goal: party triumph. Just as Edo North has placed their entire trust in Adams Oshiomhole, Edo South leaders must acquire the trust of its members and the electorate.

Normally, the Benin man is proud by nature, therefore they are more independent than the collective; they dislike any single person dictating to them, but study has shown that the Yoke may be broken with the humility of leaders.

Now, Edo South has the advantage in electoral votes, but the APC is losing ground in areas that were supposed to be their strongholds; even Edo Central, which was a stronghold of the then PDP, has been broken due to the same leadership qualities exhibited by Esan leaders that appear acceptable to the people.

Should Edo South be let to disappear as a result of its leaders' alleged pride, greed, and other minor grievances? The majority of APC leaders in the state are located in Edo South, but the area is also the most disoriented and disorganised. As a result, Edo South APC leaders urgently need to prepare for the challenges ahead or they risk losing the gubernatorial election in 2024.

In this internet-savvy age, politics is no longer played by pride and ego; instead, a leader must lower himself or herself to win. The people in your community are far wiser than you are, so go out there and demonstrate your leadership to them. Make friends with them and engage in conversation with them.

Every month, Adams Oshiomhole interacts with his constituents in numerous ways such as roadshows, one-on-one meetings, and so many more ways he may, Edo South APC leaders must live up to expectations.

According to my people, "Truth no dey break teeth", this is an independent appraisal of the sad path the APC is on in Edo South, as well as the loud pleas from the party's youths that their leaders must rethink their strategy and get back in the game; the analysis is totally personal.

My name na Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah and I b the principal and chairman of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.
https://ireporteronline.com.ng/blog/lessons-to-be-learnt-why-edo-south-apc-needs-a-great-leader-like-adams-oshiomhole/