Babatunji Wusu –
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the First Lady of Edo State, has firmly rejected the allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to use federal resources to influence the outcome of next Saturday’s governorship election in favor of the APC (All Progressives Congress). Speaking during an interview on Crack Team TV, hosted by Albert Obaze from Leeds, UK, Mrs. Obaseki described these claims as baseless and part of a strategy to garner federal support for dubious purposes.
Mrs. Obaseki characterized the opposition’s claims of federal interference as attempts to spread discord through falsehoods and misrepresentation. She emphasized the positive relationship between President Tinubu and her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and dismissed any suggestions of personal vendetta or federal interference in the election process.
“President Tinubu is smarter and wiser. He is not at their level at all,” Mrs. Obaseki stated, implying that the allegations are unfounded and that President Tinubu would not engage in such tactics.
She drew a parallel to the 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, where Governor Obaseki won despite intense competition. Mrs. Obaseki praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to democratic principles, highlighting that Buhari used federal power solely to protect voters and ensure the integrity of the election, rather than manipulating results.
Questioning the plausibility of President Tinubu undermining democratic processes, Mrs. Obaseki pointed out Tinubu’s own history as a reformer during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. She argued that Tinubu, who is known for his commitment to good governance and continuity, would not seek to destabilize Edo State, which has gained international recognition for its development under Governor Obaseki’s administration.
Mrs. Obaseki concluded by affirming that President Tinubu, as the current leader of the nation, would not support any efforts to destabilize well-governed states. She expressed optimism that if other state governors follow the progressive paths set by Edo and Lagos, Nigeria could eventually witness widespread positive transformation.
“If every state governor begins to tow these paths set out in Edo and Lagos, one day we will all wake up to a good Nigeria,” Mrs. Obaseki said, underscoring her belief in the potential for positive change through good governance.
