The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has firmly asserted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, does not have the power to influence the outcome of the forthcoming Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21.
Ighodalo made this declaration in response to Wike’s recent comments, where the minister claimed he would not support Ighodalo’s candidacy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Ighodalo expressed disappointment over Wike’s public statement, noting that it did not reflect the full scope of their previous private discussions.
Wike had previously revealed in an interview that Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo had approached him twice to seek his backing for the PDP candidate. However, Ighodalo refuted the notion that Wike had flatly rejected support for his campaign, suggesting instead that Wike’s position might have evolved over time.
Ighodalo emphasised that the decision on who governs Edo State is ultimately in the hands of its citizens, not political figures.
“It is not correct that Governor Wike said he wasn’t going to support us,” Ighodalo clarified, adding, “Events may have overtaken his decision at that point, and he is free to change his mind.”
He also reiterated that during their earlier discussions, Wike had stated he would not interfere in Edo’s affairs and that the choice of governor should rest solely with the people.
“At the end of the day, we concluded that Edo State is not part of his business,” Ighodalo remarked, adding that any change of heart on Wike’s part would not deter him.
Ighodalo stressed that no individual, regardless of their political influence, could impose a candidate on Edo State. “Only Edo citizens with their PVCs can make that decision, with the support of God Almighty. I fear no man; I only fear God,” he declared.
He further pledged to accept the outcome of the election, provided it is conducted transparently. “If we lose fairly, I will be the first to concede. But with a level playing field, I am confident we will win,” Ighodalo concluded.
