A collective known as Edo People for Good Governance has expressed strong disapproval of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State, accusing him of disseminating falsehoods about the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as the state prepares for its upcoming election.
In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, signed by convener Bright Omorodion, the group condemned Oshiomhole for what they termed “persistent fabrications and mischaracterizations” against Ighodalo.
During an event organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to welcome back the recently ousted deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, Oshiomhole claimed that Ighodalo had never spent a night at his village residence.
The group rejected these assertions as unfounded, clarifying that Oshiomhole has indeed visited Ighodalo’s home on numerous occasions.
The statement remarked: “Oshiomhole has repeatedly brought forward irrelevant and unfounded allegations regarding Asue Ighodalo, diverting attention from essential governance and developmental issues.”
It continued, “Initially, he claimed Ighodalo was not raised in Edo, then he alleged that Ighodalo was incapable of speaking his native language, and now he absurdly insists that Ighodalo has never stayed in his village house.”
These allegations, according to the group, are not only inaccurate but also detract from the pressing matters of governance in Edo State.
“We must clarify that Oshiomhole knows Asue Ighodalo well. When Oshiomhole’s first wife passed away, Ighodalo was there to pay his respects and stayed at his home.”
The statement further noted that Oshiomhole had also shown support when Ighodalo’s father died, highlighting their personal relationship. This, the group argues, indicates that Oshiomhole is intentionally misleading the public.
The group expressed disappointment that the APC, influenced by Oshiomhole, has chosen to focus their campaign on attacking Ighodalo’s character rather than outlining a concrete and constructive vision for the future of Edo State.
“The people of Edo deserve a campaign rooted in meaningful substance, policies, and a vision for progress, rather than unfounded character attacks.”
They called upon the APC and Oshiomhole to halt their unproductive criticisms and instead engage in serious discussions about how to enhance the welfare of Edo citizens.
“It is crucial for the APC to confront genuine issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic advancement, rather than resorting to irrelevant and misleading tactics.”
The group concluded with a plea for integrity in leadership, urging Edo residents to see through the misinformation and demand a higher standard of political discourse from those vying for leadership roles.
