Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
In a latest development, the Edo State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, for the September 21 governorship election.
The endorsement was the highlight of the PFN’s 2024 Edo State School of Ministry, held at the PCU-PFN administrative headquarters near Egba Junction on Benin-Auchi Road. The event, themed “Walking in Dominion,” saw over 100 ministers from various ministries in attendance.
PFN State Chairman, Pastor Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Agbonifo, expressed the Christian body’s confidence in Ighodalo and Ogie, declaring them the best candidates for the state’s top job. “We have sought God’s guidance and are assured that Dr. Asue Ighodalo is the right man for the job,” she stated. In a humorous recount, she criticized another candidate’s unfulfilled promise, likening it to delivering a goat instead of a cow, which elicited laughter from the audience.
Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, representing Governor Godwin Obaseki, thanked the church for its continued support, both past and present. “I correct the sacrilege committed by the other candidate by donating the Coaster bus, because we value the church and hold it in very high esteem,” she added, underscoring the administration’s respect for the church.
State CAN Chairman, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, formally announced the endorsement and led prayers for the PDP candidates’ victory.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ighodalo expressed deep gratitude for the church’s support, pledging not to disappoint. He promised to donate a 100KVA generator to the administrative center and proposed establishing an Ecumenical Centre and an Edo Thanksgiving Day to foster unity and gratitude within the state.
“Permit me to express my profound gratitude to this august body of Christ. I am really humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me. And I promise you, I won’t disappoint you or let you down,” Ighodalo assured amidst applause.
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church, Lagos, and the candidate’s younger brother, emphasized the moral stakes of the election, framing it as a battle between light and darkness. He committed to donating N5 million towards fuel for the promised generator.