Asue Ighodalo, who emerged victorious in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary for Edo State, has pledged to engage with fellow aspirants to foster unity within the party.
In an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ighodalo expressed his commitment, stating, “I intend to reach out to all the aspirants within the PDP, starting tonight. My aim is to persuade them to collaborate so that we can collectively serve the party and the people of Edo State.”
His victory came after surpassing other contenders, including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, in the election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the Edo State capital.
Ighodalo secured 577 votes, securing his position as the gubernatorial candidate for the state ruling party in the September 2024 election.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who chaired the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee, officially declared Ighodalo as the winner of the primary.
“I hereby declare Asuelimen Ighodalo as the winner of today’s primary, having received a total of 577 votes. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” announced Governor Dauda, the chief returning officer for the election.
Consequently, he affirmed Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming election in Edo State, extending congratulations on behalf of the committee.
Expressing his commitment to the state, Ighodalo promised to dedicate himself fully if elected as governor.
During his acceptance speech, Ighodalo, accompanied by his wife Ifenyinwa Ighodalo and dressed in a white kaftan, expressed gratitude to delegates, supporters, and the PDP for their unwavering support.
“I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support. I extend my gratitude to the good people of Edo State, with whom I have had the opportunity to engage over the past four months.”
He also commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his groundwork, pledging to build upon it, stating, “I am merely a facilitator in this process, and I assure you all that I will serve diligently. By the grace of God, Edo State will continue its progress from where Governor Obaseki left off.”
Ighodalo’s triumph follows his entry into the race just one month prior. Prior to his emergence, a faction within the party had endorsed Shaibu as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in a separate poll.
Ighodalo, a lawyer from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state, is set to lead the party’s campaign in the upcoming election.
