Politics
Edo guber hopeful, Ighodalo, vows to fight godfatherism
Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, has pledged to make informed and independent decisions if elected.
In a Tuesday interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo assured voters that he would not serve the interests of any godfather or repeat past mistakes in managing relationships with predecessors.
Ighodalo, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), secured the endorsement of incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, who snubbed his deputy Philip Shaibu. Obaseki and Shaibu have been embroiled in a conflict over political succession, while Obaseki has recently reconciled with his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.
When asked about navigating potential issues with controlling predecessors or godfathers, Ighodalo emphasized his independence, stating, “I will be a man of my own… I have always been a man of my own, and I will continue to be so.” He noted that he would seek advice from experienced individuals to avoid mistakes but remain decisive and independent.
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“My answer is: I have always been a man of my own and I will be a man of my own. That does not mean I will not take advice from other people who have gone through similar experiences.
“It is important that I say that because it is only a person who is a bit foolish that will go through certain endeavours and certain work types without taking advice.
“Throughout my life, I have had mentors, I’ve had great mentors as I was growing up in my profession, as a lawyer, as a business person, in the boardroom, I’ve always sought the advice of the people I looked up to and I value. So, I will do so all the same.
“I will always seek advice so that I will avoid the mistakes that others make. I will be my own man. Nothing is going to change because I’m governor or anything else that I am.”
Ighodalo’s stance comes as he faces top contenders Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 election.
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