Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has refuted allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to use federal power to influence the upcoming governorship election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview with Crack Team TV, hosted by Albert Obaze in the UK, Mrs. Obaseki dismissed these claims as unfounded and an attempt to solicit federal backing for questionable agendas.
She described the opposition’s assertions of federal might as a tactic to create division through falsehoods. Emphasizing the amicable relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Obaseki, she rejected any rumors of federal interference or vendetta.
“President Tinubu is smarter and wiser. He is not at their level at all,” she stated, highlighting Tinubu’s political acumen.
Mrs. Obaseki drew a parallel to the 2020 gubernatorial election when Governor Obaseki won despite concerns about federal intervention. She commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to democratic principles, using federal power to protect voters rather than manipulate election outcomes. She questioned the likelihood of President Tinubu undermining democratic processes, given his history as a reformer during his time as the governor of Lagos State.
She further argued that President Tinubu, being a proponent of good governance, would not disrupt the progress made in Edo State under her husband’s administration, which has gained international recognition for its developmental strides.
“Now the father of the nation, President Tinubu would not lend his support to efforts aimed at destabilizing a well-governed state,” she added, expressing hope that if other state governors follow the examples set in Edo and Lagos, Nigeria could see a significant transformation.