Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has dismissed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s claim that he won’t support him in the upcoming election.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo stated that Wike’s decision would not determine the next governor of Edo State. “The decision as to who becomes the next governor of Edo State is the decision of the people. It is not his or anybody else’s to make.”
Ighodalo disputed Wike’s account of their meeting, saying, “Sometimes when gentlemen talk in some kind of privacy or arrangements, we don’t voice out what has been said. But it is not correct that (former) Governor Wike said he wasn’t going to support us. That’s incorrect.”
Wike had previously stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki brought Ighodalo to seek his support, but he refused, citing past experiences. Ighodalo emphasized that the outcome of the September 21 election would be decided by the Edo people.
“I fear no man, I only fear God,” Ighodalo said, expressing confidence in his campaign. “We have related with the people of Edo State and told them what we plan to do for them. They trust us and will vote for us.”
Ighodalo assured that he would concede defeat and congratulate the winner if his party lost fairly. “Honestly, if we lose this election and we know we’ve lost it fairly and squarely, I will be the first to concede.”
The Edo State governorship election is set to hold on September 21, with Ighodalo facing off against other candidates. The people of Edo State will ultimately decide the outcome.
Ighodalo’s determination to let the people decide has sent a strong message to political stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes.
The PDP candidate’s focus on fair governance and improving the lives of Edo State residents has resonated with voters, making the upcoming election a crucial test of democracy in the state.
