Ose Anenih, the Director of Strategy for the Asue Ighodalo Campaign Organisation, has taken aim at former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his recent disparaging remarks regarding the PDP candidate for the upcoming 2024 governorship election.
Reports indicate that Oshiomhole labeled Ighodalo as unelectable, claiming he struggles to communicate effectively and lacks the necessary qualities to earn the trust of Edo voters.
In a Thursday interview, Anenih voiced his discontent with Oshiomhole’s comments, branding them as misleading. He emphasized that under the current electoral act, disseminating falsehoods about candidates is a punishable offense, which could lead to imprisonment or fines. He confirmed that a formal complaint against Oshiomhole has been lodged for these infractions.
Anenih went further to describe the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “party of deceivers and propagandists.” He refuted claims questioning Ighodalo’s qualifications for public office, asserting that the PDP gubernatorial candidate boasts a commendable career and significant achievements in the private sector that highlight his competence and success.
He challenged members of the Edo State APC to substantiate their candidate’s credentials, stating, “Dr. Asue has the pedigree and international credibility to attract investment to Edo State. Simply by assuming the governorship, funding opportunities will follow.”
Anenih criticized the APC, calling them out as purveyors of misinformation. He reflected on his disappointment and surprise at Oshiomhole’s interview, stating, “As a supposed elder statesman, I expected better from him. To see him engage in such unfounded claims on national television was disheartening.”
He further pointed out that the new electoral act, specifically sections 123 b and c, stipulates that spreading false information about candidates is an offense punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine of 100,000 naira. “We want to hold Oshiomhole accountable and demonstrate that there are repercussions for reckless speech,” he asserted.
On Oshiomhole’s remarks regarding Asue’s linguistic skills, Anenih countered, “I may not speak my language fluently, but my heritage remains intact. Does that make me any less qualified for office? His comments on ethnic identity are unwarranted, and I wish we had challenged him on that point more vigorously.”
