Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has voiced his strong support for Asue Ighodalo, a prominent figure in Nigerian business and leadership circles, in the context of the upcoming Edo governorship race.
Speaking at the Ubiaja Township Stadium, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, at the flag off the PDP gubernatorial campaign rally, Obaseki likened Ighodalo’s leadership qualities to the role of an anchor in a relay race, emphasizing his capability to lead Edo State into a new era of progress and development.
“Asue Ighodalo is more than capable of anchoring the next phase of Edo’s development,” Obaseki stated. “His track record in both the public and private sectors speaks volumes about his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence.”
Ighodalo, who is well-known for his role as the Chairman of Sterling Bank and his contributions to various national economic initiatives, has been viewed as a potential candidate who could bring innovative solutions to the challenges facing Edo State.
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Obaseki’s comparison of Ighodalo to a relay race anchor underscores the trust he places in Ighodalo’s ability to take over the baton of leadership and drive the state forward.
In response, Ighodalo expressed his gratitude for the governor’s confidence in his abilities. “I am deeply honored by Governor Obaseki’s words. If given the opportunity, I am committed to leading Edo State with the same dedication and integrity that I have brought to every role I’ve undertaken.”
In his own speech earlier, Ighodalo thanked the people for the love they have shown him. He promised to ensure the security and safety of lives and property in the state and also spoke on other things he has outlined in ‘The Pathway to Prosperity for All’ manifesto.
Chief Tom Ikimi, while addressing the people stated that everyone who had worked assiduously for the Esan Agenda must be very happy that the flag off happened in Esan land. He appealed to all the royal fathers in the state to support Ighodalo as “he is the Esan consensus candidate for the governorship election.”
First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, declared that the time in Edo State is “Esan O’clock.” She however, berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for fielding a candidate that she described as “an insult to Edo people. That shows that they hate Edo people. How can APC bring a clown to come and be our governor? We will not take it,” she stated.
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She then highlighted the fact that PDP has respect for women and so appointed or elected them into very good positions.
“We have a deputy speaker, we have local government chairmen, we have deputy local government chairmen. We have commissioners and all. PDP respects women.” Then she introduced the wife of the party’s candidate, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, to a rapturous applause.
The speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, Hon Sergius Ogun, Chief Mike Oghiadhome, Sen Odion Ugbesia, and the State Chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the DG, PDP Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Sen Clifford Ordia, Hon Joe Edionwele, Hon Marcus Onobun, Hon Joe Okojie and Alhaji Musa Isiwele were among the party chieftains that graced the occasion.