Ighodalo dismisses Wike, says the people will decide

Edo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has responded to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding his withdrawal of support ahead of the September 21 election.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo expressed disappointment in Wike’s public remarks, which he believes misrepresented their private discussions.

“Sometimes when gentlemen talk in private, we don’t reveal everything. What was said is not correct,” He stated, countering Wike’s claim that he had informed both him and Governor Godwin Obaseki of his decision to withhold support based on past disagreements.

Wike had alluded to a lack of reciprocity in previous political engagements as his reason for stepping back from endorsing Ighodalo.

Despite the rift, he firmly reiterated that the outcome of the election lies in the hands of the Edo electorate, rather than any individual politician. “The decision as to who becomes the next governor of Edo State is up to the people,” Ighodalo said. “I fear no man, I only fear God.”

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Ighodalo’s comments underscore the growing focus on the role of the electorate as tensions rise ahead of the election. Wike’s influence, although considerable, may not determine the race’s outcome, as he seeks to position himself as the people’s candidate.

Wike had claimed that he told Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo he wouldn’t back Ighodalo, citing past experiences where his support wasn’t reciprocated.

However, Ighodalo emphasized that the outcome of the election would be decided by Edo citizens, not Wike or any other political figure.

“The decision as to who becomes the next governor of Edo State is the decision of the people… I fear no man, I only fear God,” Ighodalo declared.

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The people of the stake will be going to the poll to elect a new governor this Saturday, September 21.