It is around fifty-five days till the highly anticipated Edo State gubernatorial election, which will determine which political party will succeed the present government led by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Though more than ten candidates from various political parties are vying for the state’s top job, political commentators are currently promoting three candidates as the front-runners based on their media and campaign presence in the state.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asuelimen Akintunde Ighodalo, is going around with his message of hope, peace, unity, and love, consulting and engaging critical stakeholders in the state across all the 18 local government areas and the 192 wards, seeking ways and partnerships to achieve a new and better Edo of our dreams when elected, his counterpart in the All Progressive Congress (APC) is complacently waiting for the President of Nigeria, Senat
Asue Ighodalo has met and continues to meet with Edo people around the world. He has interacted with many socioeconomic groups, ethnic nationalities of Edo State origin, market women, religious entities, cultural and traditional, as well as religious groups. He has visited Edo people in Europe and the United Kingdom, and in a few days, he will travel to the United States of America, where there is a substantial Edo population in three major cities: Atlanta, Houston, and New York. Wherever he goes, people gladly welcome him, and his message resonates.
The people sense hope, freshness, and possibilities in all of Asue Ighodalo’s statements, and they can only hope that his administration arrives soon so that the state can enjoy a breath of new air in all aspects of government. However, Edo State hears from the APC and their candidate tales of desperation, despair, falsehoods, dishonesty, and messages of arrogance, scorn, and contempt.
Despite the fact that their candidate is plagued by suspicions of age and certificate inconsistencies and falsifications, they continue to speak arrogantly about federal might, claiming their party controls the federal government. This is consistent with the viral video in which the present president boasts that he is now president of Nigeria and will hand over Edo State. President Tinubu was heard in the film saying, “Don’t worry, I am now the president, and I will give you Edo.” Many political observers believe it is due to the president’s inordinate promise made to them in a moment of inexplicable ecstasy, which has seen them lazily moving from Edo State to Abuja every week, moving from one office to another like a child seeking school fees from an uncommitted uncle who has no faith in the child’s academic abilities.
Senator Monday Okpebholo and his managers refused to communicate with Edo residents since he was gifted the party’s ticket in February 2024, in any way that may be used to solicit votes. He has declined all interview invites from respected news agencies, both electronic and print, and has purposefully sought out cheap and clandestine methods to get inside Edo State’s Osadebey Avenue administration building. While he has not clarified the situation or explained to the Edo electorate why he has three distinct birth dates, he has chosen to wait for orders from his “leaders to tell him where to go.”
Only lately, Channels Television’s Politics Today host made an open appeal to his godfather, Adams Oshiomhole, on national television in front of millions of people around the world, to ask Monday Okpebholo to accept their interview offer. The visibly embarrassed Oshiomhole grinned sheepishly and stated, “That he is not talking to the media doesn’t mean he is not talking to Edo people.” He went on to remark, “Must he talk to Channels TV?”
Finally, I believe the destiny of Edo State is clear. Asue Ighodalo stands out as a candidate who has constantly demonstrated dedication, vision, and a genuine desire to connect with the people he seeks to serve. His extensive discussions and outreach efforts, both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders, indicate his commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of all Edo inhabitants. In contrast, his main opponent’s complacency and reliance on federal power raise fundamental questions about their ability to lead and motivate the state.
Asue Ighodalo’s message of peace, unity, and love appeals to a populace eager for change and growth. His proactive approach and open campaign set him apart as a leader who is eager to work diligently for the advancement of Edo State. The charges and controversies surrounding his opponent highlight the necessity of selecting a candidate with integrity and a clear, practical strategy for the future.
As a result, the people of Edo State must rally around Asue Ighodalo and vote him in. He is the best candidate because he brings a new viewpoint, a demonstrated dedication to public service, and a vision that is consistent with voters’ ambitions. Voting for Asue Ighodalo represents progress, stability, and a brighter future for Edo State.
Dcn Darlington Okpebholo Ray is the Lead Spokesman of the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) and Director of the Directorate of Diaspora Media, PDP Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, writes from London, United Kingdom
