Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, has advised the electorate to avoid voting for an illiterate governor.
His remarks, made during a campaign rally at Olua Primary School Field in Uselu, seemed to reference a gaffe by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Ighodalo stated that Edo State needs a governor who can ensure security and youth development.
He promised to harness the creative potential of Edo youths for the benefit of all, stating, “We don’t need an illiterate who will bring insecurity.”
Governor Godwin Obaseki, also addressing the crowd, expressed confidence in Ighodalo and his running mate, Philip Ogie, to continue the work he has started when he leaves office on November 12, 2024.
He urged voters to support PDP for the sake of continuity and progress.
His words: “I have done my best. Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from November 12. We want progress. We want to move forward and not backward.
“Looking at the people here, you see a lot of youths. I am not surprised because Egor is home to youths. We have the University of Benin and the Benin Technical College.
“September 21 is the most important election in Edo State. Don’t make a mistake. For the sake of continuity, it must be the PDP; Ighodalo is youth-friendly.
“I have known him for 40 years and he is very brilliant. So, no mistake on September 21 because all the works in the Egor Local Government Area are too important to be allowed to stop. Go out early and vote and protect your votes.”
The PDP rally attracted a large youth turnout, with party leaders and the Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, thanking Egor residents for their support.