Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has stated that Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has no influence over who becomes the next governor of Edo State. According to Naija News, voters in Edo will go to the polls on September 21 to choose their next governor.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, recently announced that he had informed Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki that he would not support Ighodalo in the upcoming election. Wike made this known in a recent interview on the “Politics Today” program, explaining that Obaseki had approached him with Ighodalo to seek his backing.
Wike also expressed surprise at the Edo PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, who had asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, just before the election.
Wike pointed out that Onuoha, who is his cousin, was previously his special adviser on lands when he was governor of Rivers State.
Wike said, “When Obaseki and Ighodalo came to my house, they didn’t know the REC was my cousin. It’s only now that they’ve realized this. I told them I wouldn’t support Ighodalo or anyone else. My previous support didn’t help, and I was insulted for it.”
In response, Ighodalo expressed disappointment at Wike’s stance, saying it did not align with what was discussed during their earlier meeting. Ighodalo emphasized that the election’s outcome would be decided by the people of Edo State, not by Wike or any other political figure.
Ighodalo said, “When we talked, we discussed fair governance and creating a better Edo State. Wike said he would mind his own business regarding Edo. If he has changed his mind, that’s his choice. But the decision on who becomes the next governor belongs to the Edo people. It’s their vote, supported by God, that matters.”
Ighodalo also mentioned that he would accept defeat and congratulate the winner if his party lost. He remained optimistic about his chances, saying, “If we lose fairly, I’ll concede. However, I believe we won’t lose if the playing field is level. The people of Edo trust us and will vote for us based on our plans for them.”
