By Osagie Imasogie
When intending aspirants in this Edo State gubernatorial election started meeting stakeholders as well as opinion leaders last year, the issue of who is a ‘Homeboy’ ran rings around the political sphere. The target was no one else but Dr Asue Ighodalo, the now Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate.
However, his foray into the mainstream politics in the state has since dymistified the idea, and has even put him in a position where the opposition is now uncomfortable by what is called Street Credibility.
Street Credibility is a social construct. When one is accepted by ordinary young people in any community because of having similar styles, interests, culture, opinions etc.
Without doubt, Ighodalo is the only candidate in the gubernatorial race that has more than what it takes to be called a real ‘Homeboy.’ He is a candidate with street credibility. In spite of his status and achievements, he is easily approved by ordinary young people because he blends easily to become part of them, and shares their views on thematic issues.
While Ighodalo speaks to the range of desires of the common Edo State people, young and old, women and men, boys and girls, the other candidate seems frigid and stiff. This unsettles them to a great measure. How can someone we thought had no attachment to our people easily become more attached to them than us that wanted to use the mantra as a dart against him? They are petrified!
Well, you cannot blame Ighodalo; he is that candidate that is amiable, friendly, warm-hearted and good-natured. These are some of the characteristics of someone with street credibility.
Listen to Ighodalo’s views on issues, take note of his fashion sense, pay attention to his ideology, which he has discussed in parts during engagements, be keen about his opinions, his interests…you will not fail to notice all the combined traits of a homeboy and someone with street credibility.
Today, he is in Europe, Italy specifically, to engage Edo State citizens in the diaspora, you cannot fail to notice the excitement of the people, especially the young and professionals, welcoming him and eager to hear his plans for Edo State.
Osagie Imasogie, writes from Benin City
