Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, has issued a stark warning to voters, urging them to reject unqualified candidates in the September 21 contest. In a speech delivered to a packed crowd in Uselu on Monday, Ighodalo appeared to take aim at his rival from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, cautioning the electorate against voting for “an illiterate” who could exacerbate insecurity in the state.
Addressing the rally at the Olua Primary School Field, Egor Local Government Area, Ighodalo emphasized his commitment to harnessing the potential of Edo’s youth for the state’s collective progress. “We will work to bring out the creative potential of our youths in a way that will benefit all. We don’t need an illiterate who will bring insecurity,” he declared.
He went on to encourage voters to turn out in force on election day, pledging that he and his running mate, Ogie, were ready to lead the state into a new era of prosperity. “Just go out on the 21st, vote early, and protect your votes,” Ighodalo urged the crowd.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who also addressed the gathering, offered his endorsement of Ighodalo, assuring the people that the PDP candidate would continue the work of his administration after his term concludes on November 12. “I have done my best. Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from where I leave off. We want progress, not backwardness,” Obaseki said.
The governor noted the youthful energy of the crowd, highlighting the significance of Egor as home to the University of Benin and the Benin Technical College. “September 21 is the most important election in Edo State. For continuity, it must be the PDP,” Obaseki added, praising Ighodalo as a “brilliant” and “youth-friendly” candidate he had known for 40 years.
The rally ended with a vote of thanks from Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo State PDP, who expressed gratitude to the people of Egor for their turnout and urged them to replicate the enthusiasm at the ballot box.
