As the countdown to the September 2024 Edo governorship election gains momentum, all signs unmistakably point towards the inexorable ascent of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the revered halls of the Edo Government House.
With formidable opponents such as Okpebholo Monday of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Akpata Anthony of the Labour Party (LP) seemingly faltering in the wake of Dr. Ighodalo’s towering presence, the political environment tilts decisively in his favour.
The preeminence of Dr. Ighodalo’s candidacy is not merely a stroke of luck but a testament to the solid foundation laid by the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. Under Obaseki’s stewardship, Edo State has witnessed a renaissance marked by the proliferation of modern infrastructure, including an extensive network of roads traversing every nook and cranny of the state, the establishment of state-of-the-art hospitals and medical facilities, and the provision of potable water to the populace.
Moreover, strides in education, manifested in the improvement and expansion of standard educational facilities across urban centres and rural communities alike, underscore Obaseki’s commitment to the welfare of Edo State’s citizens.
Obaseki’s administration has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing the state’s internal revenue generation, fostering economic stability and self-reliance. Equally commendable is the administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the security of lives and properties, a cornerstone of societal progress.
Dr Ighodalo, attuned to the people’s aspirations and imbued with a shared vision for the future of Edo State, stands as the natural heir to Obaseki’s legacy. Endorsed unequivocally by Governor Obaseki, Dr. Ighodalo embodies the virtues of competence, integrity, and foresight essential for effective governance. Obaseki’s resounding endorsement, coupled with the endorsement of key stakeholders within the PDP, underscores Dr. Ighodalo’s status as the torchbearer of continuity and progress.
Even the body language of political heavyweights like Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the erstwhile leader of the APC in Edo State, betrays a tacit acknowledgement of Dr Ighodalo’s superiority. Oshiomhole’s recent commendation of Governor Obaseki’s policy decisions, including the significant increase in the minimum wage, speaks volumes about his implicit confidence in Obaseki’s judgment and, by extension, his endorsement of Dr Ighodalo’s candidacy.
Dr. Ighodalo’s ascendancy is not solely predicated on endorsements and accolades but on a compelling vision for Edo State’s future. His meticulously crafted manifestos and visionary policies constitute a roadmap for propelling Edo State to the summit of global economies. Campaigning tirelessly across the state, Dr Ighodalo engages with diverse stakeholders—from market women to students, from traders to craftsmen, from intellectuals to labour unions—affirming his commitment to inclusive governance and participatory democracy.
As the September 2024 Edo governorship election draws near, the trajectory of Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s campaign appears inexorable, propelled by the momentum of progress and the collective will of the people. With a resounding mandate, Dr. Ighodalo is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity, unity, and development for the great state of Edo. In him, the people see not just a candidate but a beacon of hope and a harbinger of positive change.
Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu is the Political Editor of Truth Live News.