The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cannot influence the outcome of the upcoming gubernatorial election, News About Nigeria reports.
Ighodalo’s comment came in response to Wike’s recent comments stating that he would not support Ighodalo in the election scheduled for September 21.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Ighodalo reacted to Wike’s disclosure that Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki had visited him twice, along with Ighodalo, to seek his support for the PDP candidate.
Ighodalo, however, said he was disappointed as Wike’s account of the meetings did not fully reflect their discussions.
“Sometimes, when gentlemen talk in some kind of privacy or arrangements, we don’t voice out what has been said. But it is not correct that Governor Wike said he wasn’t going to support us. That’s incorrect,” Ighodalo stated.
He added that Wike had initially indicated that he would not interfere in Edo’s affairs and that the decision on the state’s next governor would be made by the people.
“If he has decided to change his mind, that’s fine. But the decision as to who becomes the next governor of Edo State is the decision of the people. It is not his or anybody else’s to make,” Ighodalo said.
Ighodalo said that no political figure, governor, or minister has the authority to dictate the outcome of the election, as only the voters of Edo State hold that power.
He also said he is confident in a fair contest, stating that he would concede defeat if the election is conducted without bias.
“Honestly, if we lose this election and we know we’ve lost it fairly and squarely, I will be the first to concede,” Ighodalo said.
However, he added that current polls and indicators suggest a favourable outcome for his campaign, which has garnered trust from the people of Edo State.
