Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not need the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to win the governorship elections.

Obaseki and Wike were political allies leading up to the 2020 governorship elections, during which Obaseki emerged victorious against Adams Oshiomhole-backed candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

Since then, the two men have had a falling out, with Wike vowing not to support Obaseki's candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming election.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki was asked about his concerns regarding Wike's stance this time. Obaseki responded by saying that the people of Edo are capable of making their own decisions without outside influence.

“He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb, they know who to vote for,” Obaseki said.

“They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make their decisions this time because they know what they want.”

The governor said he does not regret falling out with some of his political associates, including Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu. He said that some politicians are not happy with him because he has used money from the government’s revenues to solve people’s needs.