In a bold political appeal aimed at de-escalating rising tensions in Edo State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to forgive and not investigate his predecessor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor and influential figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal during a closed-door meeting with top political stakeholders in Abuja. The intervention follows growing speculation that the new Edo governor is planning to launch a sweeping probe into alleged mismanagement and misuse of state resources under Obaseki’s administration.
A Call for Political Maturity
According to sources close to the matter, Wike cautioned Governor Okpebholo against what he described as a “vindictive campaign” that could undermine governance and derail the state’s fragile political unity. He urged the governor to focus on reconciliation, development, and long-term stability rather than settling old scores.
“Governor Okpebholo should show statesmanship by letting go of any bitterness or desire for revenge. Obaseki is no longer in power. What matters now is Edo’s peace and progress,” Wike was quoted as saying by insiders who attended the meeting.
Wike’s appeal reportedly followed mounting pressure from APC loyalists in the state who are pushing for a forensic audit of Obaseki’s two-term administration (2016–2024), citing alleged questionable contracts, asset sales, and suspicious budgetary allocations.
The Brewing Storm
Since taking over the reins of government in September 2024 following his victory in the contentious off-cycle election, Governor Monday Okpebholo has quietly signaled intentions to revisit several policy decisions made by the Obaseki government.
In November 2024, the state government announced the formation of a high-level Asset Recovery and Verification Committee headed by Patrick Ikhariale. The committee’s mandate was to probe transactions involving Edo State assets, many of which were either leased, sold, or allegedly mismanaged during Obaseki’s tenure.
Although the governor has not explicitly mentioned a criminal investigation, political analysts believe the probe is part of a wider APC agenda to discredit the immediate past PDP-led administration and consolidate its newfound control of the state.
Obaseki Under Fire, But Not Alone
Former Governor Obaseki, who defected to the PDP in 2020 after a public falling out with ex-APC national chairman Adams Oshiomhole, has remained largely silent since the end of his tenure. However, close aides claim the former governor views the current political climate as a “witch-hunt disguised as due process.”
His longtime ally and former deputy, Philip Shaibu, has also been a target of political isolation. In fact, multiple Obaseki-era projects and appointees have already been reversed or dismissed by the new administration.
Wike’s Political Calculus
Observers say Wike’s appeal is as strategic as it is personal. As a strongman in the South-South geopolitical zone and a bridge between the PDP and APC elite blocs, Wike is known for leveraging political negotiation over confrontation.
His appeal to Okpebholo appears to be a bid to avoid deepening internal strife in Edo, which remains one of the more volatile political battlegrounds in southern Nigeria.
“Governor Okpebholo has won. The Supreme Court has affirmed his mandate. Going after Obaseki now could destabilize governance. Wike’s appeal is both pragmatic and preventive,” said a source within the Edo APC.
What Lies Ahead?
As of now, there’s been no official response from the Edo State Government regarding whether Governor Okpebholo intends to heed Wike’s appeal. However, political insiders suggest a potential review of the probe committee’s scope may be in the works.
Meanwhile, Edo residents remain divided. Some believe Obaseki should be held accountable for his eight-year stewardship, while others warn that a prolonged political witch-hunt could distract the new government from delivering results.
With Wike now actively intervening, the coming days will reveal whether Okpebholo will pursue justice or opt for political peace.
If Governor Okpebholo yields to Wike’s appeal, it could mark a turning point in Edo’s post-election transition. But if he proceeds with the probe, the state may be entering a new era of political friction—with high stakes for both camps.
Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation are on Edo.
