Edo State, August 30, 2024 — Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has pledged to uphold and build upon the infrastructural achievements of the current administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking at the flag-off of the PDP’s statewide governorship campaign in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, Ighodalo outlined his commitment to continuing the progress made by Obaseki. He emphasized that his administration would focus on furthering the infrastructural development initiated by the outgoing governor.

“We are ready to continue where our governor stopped. We will take Edo State to the next level. If a man wants to build a house, he has to start from the foundation. Governor Obaseki has laid the foundation, and we will build upon it,” Ighodalo said. He promised to enhance and expand the EdoBEST educational initiative and provide incentives for farmers, including those in cassava and oil palm production.

Ighodalo criticized the current economic climate in Nigeria, attributing part of the hardship to federal policies. He acknowledged Obaseki’s efforts to shield the people of Edo from these difficulties and pledged to maintain and improve upon the safety and security measures introduced by the current administration.

“The work that has been done for the past eight years will soon begin to show. By the next year, we will begin to miss the governor, but Ogie and I will do our best to maintain his good works,” Ighodalo added.

Governor Obaseki, who has known Ighodalo for 40 years, praised his dedication and commitment to public service. Obaseki described Ighodalo’s decision to enter the governorship race as a significant sacrifice for the people of Edo State, emphasizing that Ighodalo’s motivations were driven by genuine concern for the welfare of the citizens rather than personal gain.

“He is not looking for money, fame, or fortune; he has the love of his people at heart,” Obaseki said.

In support of Ighodalo’s candidacy, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, highlighted Ighodalo’s superior intelligence compared to the opposition candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. “Asue’s brain is not loading, but packed with ideas,” Agbebaku asserted, underscoring Ighodalo’s readiness to lead and innovate for the state.

The PDP’s campaign for the gubernatorial election continues to gain momentum, with a focus on expanding upon the accomplishments of the current administration and addressing key issues facing the state.