Edo People, Not Wike, Will Decide Next Governor – Ighodalo
The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, does not have the power to determine the next governor of the state.
Ighodalo’s statement was in response to Wike’s claim that he told Governor Godwin Obaseki that he would not support Ighodalo in the September 21 governorship poll. Wike disclosed Channels Television’s Politics Today program.
Reacting on the same program, Ighodalo expressed disappointment in Wike’s position, saying it wasn’t exactly the outcome of their meeting. He emphasized that the outcome of the election would be decided by the Edo people, not Wike or any other political figure.
“Sometimes when gentlemen talk in private, we don’t voice out what has been said. But it’s not correct that Wike said he wasn’t going to support us. That’s incorrect,” Ighodalo stated.
He added, “The decision as to who becomes the next governor of Edo State is the decision of the people. It’s not his or anybody else’s to make. Whether you’re a governor or a minister, it’s only Edo citizens and residents who have their PVCs who can take that decision with the support of God Almighty.”
Ighodalo expressed strong conviction that he would defeat his political opponents, stating, “Honestly, if we lose this election and we know we’ve lost it fairly and squarely, I will be the first to concede. But I know we can’t lose this election if there’s a level playing field for everybody.”
The PDP candidate emphasized his commitment to fair governance and creating a better Edo State, saying, “We have related with the people of Edo State and told them what we plan to do for them. They trust us and will vote for us. All the polls and indicators support us. So I have no fear.”
