Asue Ighodalo’s Politics Without Bitterness

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/03/03/asue-ighodalos-politics-without-bitterness
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In the competitive landscape of Nigerian politics, good sportsmanship is a trait that many politicians lack. This is why the statement issued last week by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, deserves commendation.

In the statement, Ighodalo set a positive tone for the campaigns that are due to begin shortly by demonstrating decorum. First, he extended congratulations to his major opponents in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata, for their emergence as governorship candidates of their respective parties for the upcoming elections in the state.

Known for his calm demeanour and integrity as a businessman, Ighodalo in what is as politics without bitterness, urged both Okpebholo and Akpata to prioritise issue-based campaigns leading up to the September governorship election.

Reflecting on the 2023 general election, he highlighted the dangers of hatred and vitriol disguised as political slogans, warning against the lingering effects of past political fires that continue to smoulder across the nation.

“I and my team will continue to campaign to the people of Edo State in the language and behaviour that seek to unite rather than divide,” he said.

“We will stay focused on the issues that matter to our people and there will be no descent into abuse, ethnic-baiting and name-calling. We must not destroy the unity of the state we seek to govern. I therefore, urge all my fellow candidates to similarly run respectful issue-based campaigns.”

Apart from his admonition, Ighodalo’s actions exemplified his refined leadership qualities, setting a standard for others to follow. It shows that if elected governor of Edo State, his conduct suggests he would instill a similar level of grace and integrity in leadership.

His admonition resonates with the slogan of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, emphasising that no political ambition is worth the sacrifice of the life of any Nigerian.

His remarks stand in stark contrast to the recent actions of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who openly boasted about his party’s chances of winning the election in the state. Such statements fuel desperation, encourage thuggery, and sow the seeds of chaos, which is the opposite of what the state needs at this crucial time.

thank God for PDP for given the ticket to asue