'Why PDP members are angry with Obaseki after his lessons in APC'

Senator Matthew Urhoghide has ignored attempts by internet trollers to attack with his critics and Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki after his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ among some members of the party.

The Senator who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the 8th and 9th National Assembly, said this when he featured as a guest on Channels Television Politics Today.

Urhoghide explained that he does not regret his action for supporting Governor Obaseki to win his reelection on September 19, 2020, but noted that legacy members of PDP in Edo State led by Chief Dan Orbih, South South chairman of the party are angry with Governor Obaseki over ‘power sharing with them”.

Urhoghide stated that he was caught up in the political crisis between Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and the the Governor who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with his deputy, Philip Shaibu to PDP, where the duo got nomination and contested the election and won for the ruling party.

According to the two term Senator, “I want to respect the friendship. I have known him (Governor Obaseki) dates back 55 years. I must respect his office as a Governor, and I will not have anything against him (Obaseki). Even if I feel offended, I would have gone to him”.

“We built the platform (PDP) together and then of course, I went out of my way to get my brother, the Governor from what happened between him and Adams Oshiomhole to come to our party.

“I was Obaseki’s reelection campaign Coordinator in Edo South Senatorial District. Edo South turned in majority of the votes. 81,000 votes. We did everything for him to win and then of course, I am now caught midway.

“For my friends that we built the party together, they said it was you (Urhoghide) on Governor Obaseki coming to the party (PDP). They gave me the blame. I told them that I have no regret.

“The people from the legacy group are not happy with the Governor because they believe that he (Obaseki) did not share power with them after he won the election. They are now holding me responsible”, Urhoghide said.

Editor’s Note: The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nysom Wike lifting up Governor Godwin Obaseki’s hand shortly after the later was declared winner of Edo State2020 governorship election in Edo State in Government House, Benin City, appeared as featured image to illustrate this report.