The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has voiced strong opposition to the suggestion that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has any authority to influence the state’s governorship election. Ighodalo, responding to Wike’s recent public comments, emphasized that the decision over the next governor of Edo will ultimately be made by the people of the state and not by external forces.
As Edo citizens prepare to head to the polls on September 21, the political landscape has become increasingly tense. The former Governor of Rivers State, Wike, sparked controversy during a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program. During the segment, Wike revealed that he had previously informed Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki that he would not support Ighodalo’s candidacy in the upcoming election, citing past experiences where his political support did not yield positive outcomes.
Wike claimed that Obaseki had approached him on two occasions, bringing Ighodalo to his home to seek his endorsement. Wike stated, “When Obaseki brought Ighodalo to my house two times to support him, they did not know the REC was my cousin. It is just today that they know that he (Onuoha) is my cousin. That is the problem I have with this country.” He went on to explain that he made it clear to both Obaseki and Ighodalo that he had no intentions of supporting Ighodalo or any other candidate in the race.
In a surprising twist, Wike also expressed his frustration with the recent actions of Edo PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi, who petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reassign the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, due to his familial ties to Wike. Onuoha, who is Wike’s cousin, had previously served as Wike’s special adviser on lands during his time as Governor of Rivers State, a fact that has raised concerns over potential bias in the electoral process.
Wike took issue with the timing of the request, suggesting that it was politically motivated: “I told them (Obaseki and Ighodalo) when they came to see me that I’m not going to support Ighodalo. Neither am I going to support anybody. The one I supported never helped anything, but rather I was insulted.”
Ighodalo, speaking on the same platform, responded with disappointment to Wike’s public stance. He indicated that Wike’s recollection of their meeting did not fully align with the understanding he had left with. “The comments made by the Minister were surprising, to say the least. The outcome of our discussions during our meetings was not reflective of his statements on the program,” Ighodalo remarked.
While acknowledging the former Rivers Governor’s right to withhold his support, Ighodalo urged Edo voters to focus on the issues that truly matter to their lives and communities. “This election is about the future of Edo State, not about external influences. My candidacy is built on improving governance, enhancing infrastructure, and creating opportunities for the people of Edo. That is where our focus should remain.”
Ighodalo went further to highlight his track record and the policy-driven agenda he intends to implement if elected. “What we need in Edo is a clear vision for economic growth, transparency in government, and accountability to the people. I am running for governor to ensure that these goals are achieved.”
