Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders have commended their governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for his recent engagements with Edo indigenes in Europe.
The meetings, which took place from Monday to Saturday last week, spanned five cities across three countries and have been praised for demonstrating Ighodalo’s preparedness and suitability for the role.
Prominent figures within the PDP and the broader community praised Ighodalo for his successful outreach. They noted that his engagements with the Edo Diaspora showcased his understanding and readiness to lead, contrasting him favorably against other candidates.
Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, the Majority Leader in the Edo State House of Assembly, expressed confidence in Ighodalo’s campaign. “The choice of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the governorship candidate of the PDP was divinely ordained. His European tour highlights the critical role of our Diaspora connection in politics,” she said, adding that the warm reception he received was a testament to his capability and vision.
Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, a legal practitioner and advocate for Edo’s renaissance, also lauded the tour. He highlighted Ighodalo’s engagements in London, Milan, Manchester, Hamburg, and Nuremberg as evidence of his commitment to involving all sectors of the Edo community in his agenda to transform the state into a hub for business, tourism, and agriculture.
Daniel Asekhame, founder and coordinator of the Asue Ighodalo Movement (AIM), described the Diaspora visit as highly successful. “The feedback has been invaluable and has significantly impacted our people in the Diaspora. They had the chance to hear directly from Asue about his plans for Edo State,” he stated.
Bobby Eghosa Obayuwana, another PDP chieftain, emphasized the importance of the tour for fostering partnerships and economic development. He said, “The AsueOgie2024 Diaspora Tour offered a platform for Edolites in Italy, the UK, and Germany to engage with the democratic movement, providing insights that will help improve the economic welfare of Edo People.”
Throughout the week-long engagements, Ighodalo outlined his vision and manifesto, “The Pathway to Prosperity for All,” which focuses on fostering prosperity and development in Edo State. Each session included a question-and-answer segment, allowing attendees to interact directly with Ighodalo and his running mate, Ogie Osarodion.
These successful engagements have bolstered Ighodalo’s campaign, showcasing his commitment to inclusive governance and his ability to connect with the Edo Diaspora community. As the September 21, 2024, governorship election approaches, Ighodalo’s support base appears to be growing, driven by his demonstrated competence and strategic outreach efforts.