Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a remarkable display of eloquence and vision, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State, stood head and shoulders above his peers during the first major debate organized by Unuedo Renaissance on Friday.
Truth Live News gathered that as the spotlight turned to Ighodalo, he seized the moment, articulating his vision with clarity and conviction. His manifesto, “The Pathway to Prosperity for All” , was brought to life as he outlined comprehensive strategies for the state’s development. In stark contrast, Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, lacking a manifesto of his own, found himself echoing Ighodalo’s points for nearly half of his speaking time—a clear sign of being outmatched.
The absence of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, did not go unnoticed. His conspicuous absence raised eyebrows and drew sharp criticism. While Ighodalo and Akpata earned praise for respecting the invitation, Okpebholo’s no-show was seen as a blatant disregard for the people of Edo State.
Ighodalo’s performance showcased a leader fully prepared for the challenges ahead. He spoke with authority on the issues, demonstrating a deep understanding of the state’s needs and offering tangible solutions. “The state government has made strides in education and economic growth, but much more remains to be done,” Ighodalo asserted, his words resonating with the audience.
He stressed the importance of security as the bedrock for his economic revival plans and detailed his vision for vocational education, proposing a curriculum overhaul with a focus on STEM subjects. His aim? To equip every child in Edo State with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
The decision by Okpebholo to skip the debate was described by one attendee as political suicide. “Unuedo is one of the most significant socio-cultural groups among the Edo diaspora. For Monday to boycott this event speaks volumes,” the attendee remarked.
As the debate concluded, there was a resounding consensus: Dr. Asue Ighodalo emerged as the candidate most capable of leading Edo State into a prosperous future. The absence of Okpebholo only underscored a widely held belief— the APC candidate is out of touch and perhaps, out of time.
