On Monday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for Oredo Local Government boldly asserted that Dr. Asue Ighodalo stands as the sole candidate capable of securing victory in the upcoming governorship election on September 21.
During a press briefing in Benin City, Crusoe Osagie, the Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the Oredo campaign council, accompanied by other members, outlined that the electoral contest will primarily involve the PDP, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP). He further indicated that the APC’s Sen. Monday Okpebholo and LP’s Olumide Akpata lack the necessary qualifications to effectively govern Edo State.
Osagie stated, “This narrows it down to one individual: Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a distinguished lawyer and founder of one of Africa’s leading law firms, Banwo and Ighodalo, which employs a substantial number of lawyers and offers some of the highest salaries in the industry.”
He highlighted Ighodalo’s extensive experience as the chairman of numerous reputable companies and his long-standing commitment to contributing positively to the state’s growth, providing pro bono advice to successive governments since the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. “We firmly believe he is the only viable candidate, and we urge all Edo citizens to rally behind us in Oredo. We are convinced that a decisive victory for the PDP and Ighodalo is within our reach.”
Critiquing the other candidates, Osagie labeled Akpata of the LP as an inexperienced private sector professional with no prior governmental experience. He argued that Akpata’s candidacy, originating from Edo South while the electorate seeks representation from Edo Central, reflects a lack of political awareness.
“Akpata’s decision disregards the interests of an entire senatorial district, which has been overlooked in the political landscape for over two decades. Without considering equity, fairness, and justice, his candidacy is untenable. He should have prioritized the collective interest of the senatorial district over his ambitions.”
Turning to the APC’s Okpebholo, Osagie expressed doubts about his capability to govern the state’s population of over four million. “Despite his central Edo roots, he lacks the intelligence and insight necessary for leadership. We deserve leaders who are more astute than the populace they serve. How can we trust our future with someone who cannot distinguish between a zoo and a museum?”
Osagie concluded that while Okpebholo may be a successful entrepreneur, he is not suited for the governorship role, as he cannot be entrusted with the collective future of Edo State.
