Part 1: Count Down To Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.

Never before has an election generated so much tension and heat as the forthcoming ones in Edo and Ondo states. That of Ondo is less intensive though compared to Edo where Oshiomole has seemingly held everyone by the jugular. Anyone following the campaigns cannot fail to notice his booming voice that thunders like an earthquake, pummeling Obaseki to a pulp– even though his messages are pure white lies. But his baritone voice resonates to the rooftop and far beyond the shores of the State. Dressed in his trademark khaki outfit that marks him out as a second lieutenant in a guerrilla brigade, Oshiomole sets about his task as a commander who is prepared for war—and not for a democratic election. You do not wear military camouflage when you are a politician geared to serve the people. In the past, his appearance would elicit respect, fear and orderliness. But not anymore. After eight years as governor and a few years as National Chairman of a ruling party—an enviable position by all standards—Oshiomole’s presence reminds you of revulsion, hate and master of doublespeak. Until his arrival into the political scene, electioneering campaigns were peaceful, less cumbersome; but now it is like going to war. For the first time Edo people are hearing of arms buildup, importation of criminal elements to hijack voters card; they are also hearing of Federal power—the possible deployment of thousands of soldiers and policemen to castrate voters in Obaseki’s stronghold. If the aim of these massive buildups is merely to replace Obaseki with their choice, why not simply move in and grab him to save us the trouble of pretending to do elections? Nevertheless, Oshiomole is having his match in the person of Chief Dan Orbih, the PDP campaign Director-General who appears to be hitting back hard at his gimmicks. In their ward to ward campaign he has never failed to capitalize on opportunities to carpet Oshiomole for sleaze while in office and many other rotten escapades. Chief Dan Orbih who looks more of a politician than Oshiomole has openly boasted how he would defeat Oshiomole in a free and fair election. But the question is: would he agree?