The Edo Central People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Special Committee has adjourned the screening of the governorship aspirants from the Senatorial zone, originally scheduled for today, to Wednesday, January 10, 2024. This decision was reached during the committee’s meeting, which took place on Saturday at the Igueben residence of the National leader, High Chief, Tom Ikimi.
Among the aspirants present at the meeting were Barrister Anselm Ojiezua, Senator Clifford Ordia, Honorable John Yakubu, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, and Barrister Asue Ighodalo.
In a press statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, AMB. Tony Okonigene, ANIVS, RSV, High Chief Tom Ikimi, the Chairman of the Special Committee, expressed his appreciation to the aspirants for their dedication to the party and the Esan people. He also read a letter from one of the aspirants, Right Honorable Marcus Onobun, who informed the committee that he had decided to suspend his aspiration and support Barrister Asue Ighodalo instead. It was noted that another aspirant, Honorable Felix Akhabue, also known as Joefel, was absent from the meeting without providing any communication to the committee.
The Chairman then requested the present aspirants to address the committee regarding the outcomes of their further consultations. Barrister Anselm Ojiezua stated that he was still in the process of consulting and was awaiting the committee’s decision. Honorable John Yakubu expressed his willingness to submit himself to the committee’s conclusion.
Senator Clifford Ordia emphasized the need for personal sacrifices in the interest of the party and then surprised the assembly when he suddenly announced his decision to withdraw from the race and support Barrister Asue Ighodalo.
The endorsement of Barr. Ighodalo by Hon. Onobun and Sen. Odia brings to four the number of Edo Central PDP governorship aspirants who have chosen to step down in favor of Ighodalo, a development that significantly bolsters his chances ahead of the PDP’s primaries scheduled for February 3rd. Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah and Hon. Kenneth Ahbulimen had a couple of days earlier announced their withdrawals from the race and had also pledged to support to Barr. Ighodalo.
Barrister Asue Ighodalo thanked Hon. Marcus and Sen. Odia for their endorsements; commended the Committee for their personal sacrifices and pledged his continued alignment with them and whatever decision they arrive at.
Barr. Asue Ighodalo, a banker, lawyer, and former chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, is fast becoming the leading PDP guber aspirant as his campaign gathers popular support within his party; despite joining active politics fairly recently.
Ighodalo is set to officially flag off his campaign on the 12th of January, 2024.