There are indications that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki may succeed his Sokoto State counterpart, Aminu Tambuwal, as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum.
Tambuwal, whose second term ends on May 29, 2023, is the current chairman of the forum.
With governors Nyesom Wike, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Darius Ishaku, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Rivers, Abia, Benue, Taraba, and Enugu states, respectively, all set to leave office on May 29, Obaseki, whose second term in office comes to an end in 2024, will become the most senior PDP governor among his colleagues.
Although yet to go public about his ambition, Saturday PUNCH gathered that the National Working Committee of the party is rallying support for Obaseki to help drive the e-governance model in all PDP states across the federation.
Another governor whose name was mentioned is Makinde, but a former appointee of the Edo gov, Mr Sixtus Omokhagbor, told our correspondent that Obaseki was enjoying the support of his colleagues to clinch the seat.
He said, “What the governor has done in terms of e-governance in Edo State is something to replicate in other states including non-PDP States.
“He has not gone public about the PDP Governors’ Forum thing (leadership) but the truth is that if you take a look at the governors that will be left after May 29, there is no one better for the role than Governor Obaseki.
“He will have no problem getting the support of his colleagues, particularly governors Duoye Diri, Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Makinde.”
A source in the PDP who spoke to our correspondent in confidence said the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, was persuading Obaseki to help the PDP states, particularly where new governors are expected to take charge, implement e-governance to drive down the cost of doing business in their respective states.
“The choice of the chairman of the forum will be determined by the governors. However, I heard that with Tambuwal bowing out very soon, the position will go to the South.
“Makinde has ruled himself out of the race and promised to work with a senior colleague. That brings Obaseki in and I am sure he will get it.
“Damagum is not a member of the forum but his fatherly advice will go a long way. He sees the Edo governor as a very peaceful man, a silent worker who allows his work to speak for him.”
A new chairman of the forum is not expected to be announced until the May 29 inauguration of a new government as new and returning governors elected on the platform of the PDP are expected to play a part in the selection process.
