Edo PDP leaders applaud Ighodalo’s choice of running mate

…Say Ogie ticks all the boxes

By George Etakibuebu

Ahead of the September governorship election in Edo State, encomium have begun pouring in for Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by critical stakeholders of the party in the state over his choice of Osarodion Ogie Esq as running mate.

Ogie’s nomination, well received by all and sundry, signal the crossing of a major hurdle because of the enthusiasm it is generating across the state and among party faithful.

Speaking separately on the development, several chieftains of the party applauded the wisdom of the candidate, Ighodalo, in not only going for the best of the many capable and available hands, but especially for being mindful and sensitive to the need to balance the political equation in the state. The call for equity and fairness has been a thematic issue for consideration. They described his choice as, “hitting the bull’s eye”.

The elder statesman and chieftain of the party, High Chief Tom Ikimi, said Ighodalo has taken, “a very correct and decisive step. It is accurate, wonderful and commendable”. He expressed confidence in what he called the “PDP Team”.

He opined that this ‘dream team’ will trounce any opposition in the main election to retain the seat of power in Edo State. “I am particularly happy that our candidate has made a correct decision in the person of Osarodion Ogie Esq. We now have a very formidable team of visionary, competent, passionate and people-oriented men. Ighodalo is superb in every ramification and Ogie is a thoroughly honed administrative genius. They are both lawyers of repute and share a common passion for the growth and development of the state, and above all, they are concerned with lifting people out of poverty. So we have gotten this one right and it will positively assist us in scaling the rest hurdle, and by God’s grace and the goodwill of the good people of Edo, PDP will retain the seat of power come September,” he stated.

Also speaking excitingly, Elder Dickson Imasogie, described the choice as a “good one” adding that the “PDP has very good and attractive candidates to market. It is an excellent decision, I must confess, and we won’t be disappointed at the end of the day. The running mate ticks all the boxes positively. He is a man of the people. He is loved and he loves people too. He is a grassroots man. His high position in government has never been a barrier between him and the people. So, it is a very good choice”, he said.

On his part, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, echoed the same sentiments by the other chieftains of the party. He applauded the wisdom of the candidate and scored the running mate high on grounds of competence, administrative acumen, acceptability and political balance.

“We got this right. The man is competent, a technocrat of repute, grassroots politician and well loved by his people. Importantly, this decision fulfils the political consideration for balance and fairness. So I am happy for us. Many had thought we would slip and fall here, but we have scaled this critical hurdle. Our focus now is on the election proper and God willing, victory is sure,” he stated.

Hon. Segun Saiki, Edo North PDP senatorial leader, could not hide his joy after the announcement was made. He enjoined the party to rally round the candidates, stressing that the umbrella is big enough to accommodate every willing member.