Governor Godwin Obaseki has chosen Osarodion Ogie, who happens to be Philip Shaibu’s former best friend, to team up with Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ogie, who hails from Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, is expected to bring some serious political influence to the ticket. And on the other hand, Ighodalo is known for his impressive business skills.
The choice of Ogie is expected to quash to some extent the frustration of the political class who journeyed with Governor Obaseki in his movements from the All Progressives Congress, APC to the PDP.
Ogie and Shaibu were his political backbone in the movements.
Ogie was reportedly brought into the political terrain by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who recommended him to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for appointment into the State Executive Council, SEC.
Ogie subsequently formed a tag team with Oshiomhole’s political protegee, Philip Shaibu with whom they fought with the former governor against Ize-Iyamu and other political wars of the comrade-governor.
However, following the emergence of Governor Obaseki and the war with Oshiomhole, the Ogie-Shaibu pair changed loyalty from the former governor to his successor and helped to guard him in the war that followed.
However, as the relationship between the three changed as Shaibu battled Governor Obaseki for succession, Ogie has largely kept mum and provided political backbone for the governor in his battles with his deputy and his former political bestie.
Ogie brings to the fray his political swagger in Ikpboa-Okha, and its population advantage.