In a thought-provoking and candid commentary, Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu has taken to his official X handle to express his insights on the Edo Governorship election. Without mincing words, Momodu paints a vivid picture of what he perceives to be the political undercurrents driving the outcome of the election, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes its official announcement.
Momodu begins by stating:
“Without any prejudice to whatever INEC announces today as the supposed results of the Edo Governorship election, permit me to make some quick observations, not in any particular order, and give you the outcome ahead of time.”
In a series of observations that follow, Momodu raises alarm bells over what he sees as an orchestrated plan by powerful forces within the political machinery to ensure that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerges victorious in Edo State.
1. APC’s Inevitable Victory:
“I’m flabbergasted that some Nigerians still expect APC to lose this particular election. It is practically impossible, and I’m ready to place a modest bet on it,” Momodu asserts, predicting that the political cards are already stacked in favor of the APC. His confidence suggests a deep understanding of the political maneuverings behind the scenes, which seem to render any opposition futile.
2. Governor Obaseki and ‘Operation OGA WANTS IT’:
Momodu expresses disappointment in Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, hinting at a clandestine political operation dubbed OGA WANTS IT. “Most of the principal state actors, both in APC and PDP, are involved in the gangsterism,” he notes, painting a picture of a political battlefield where both ruling and opposition parties are equally complicit. He further suggests that Obaseki may be surrounded by deceitful allies: “OBASEKI is surrounded by some wolves in sheep’s clothing, unfortunately.”
3. OGA’s Desperation and Survival:
According to Momodu, the political operation isn’t just a matter of ambition but one of survival for the key players involved. “OGA not only wants it, OGA needs it, like oxygen for survival,” he claims, indicating that the stakes are higher than they appear on the surface. The desperation of OGA’s acolytes to convince him that they can deliver future election victories is described as “abysmally despicable,” showcasing the lengths to which these actors are willing to go.
4. Temporary Political Marriages and Mafia Ambitions:
Momodu reveals a temporary alliance between APC and PDP factions, driven by the ambitions of their leaders. He highlights a parallel between these alliances and the political maneuvers seen in the infamous Yahaya Bello treatment, where politicians nearing the end of their tenures strike deals to secure their political futures. “The ones in PDP are in allegiance with their ringleader, whose voluptuous Presidential ambition is not hidden,” Momodu adds, referring to the grander schemes at play within the political landscape.
5. Fear, Ambition, and Power Play:
Even within this Mafia group, Momodu suggests that there is discord, with some members silencing their own Presidential or Vice Presidential ambitions out of fear of their “rambunctious leader.” This internal friction, he implies, is driven by the ruthlessness of Nigerian politics, where loyalty is enforced through fear, and power is often concentrated in the hands of a few.
In a final note, Momodu urges the people of Edo State to remain calm, urging them to place their faith only in God rather than the machinations of political elites:
“My people of Edo State, please, cool temper… Have faith ONLY in GOD,” he advises, hinting at the futility of expecting a fair political process in such an environment.
Dele Momodu’s stark observations provide a rare glimpse into the gritty realities of Nigerian politics, where elections seem to be less about the will of the people and more about the ambitions of a few. His commentary paints a picture of political desperation, alliances of convenience, and an elite class determined to hold onto power at all costs.
In his final words, Momodu warns: “I will come back later to tell you how the big ego of some opposition gangs will continue to make matters worse…”
As the Edo State election results unfold, Momodu’s remarks serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities and machinations that often go unseen by the public.
PIONEER NEWS 