The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in the Edo governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has responded to recent critical comments made by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Oshiomhole had publicly questioned Ighodalo’s electability, arguing that Ighodalo did not understand the people of Edo State and could not speak the language of his village.
Ighodalo, however, strongly rejected Oshiomhole’s remarks, stating that Oshiomhole often speaks without thinking and does not fully understand the facts before making statements.
“I respect him because he is older than me, and also because he married someone related to me from my village, but what he said is not correct,” Ighodalo said during a recent interview with BBC Pidgin.
“I’ll leave it at that, out of respect for his age. You know, the man sometimes talks before he thinks.”
Oshiomhole, a former labor leader and one-time National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier questioned Ighodalo’s ability to win an election in Edo State, claiming that he is out of touch with the people.
He argued that Ighodalo, despite his achievements, lacked grassroots connections and could not communicate effectively with the people of Edo State.
“Oshiomhole knows what he said is not true,” Ighodalo responded during the interview. “I was part of his economic team for eight years.
“If I didn’t know what I was doing or couldn’t relate to the people, why did he keep me on his team for so long?”
Ighodalo pointed out that Oshiomhole himself had little political experience before becoming governor, noting that his previous career was in tailoring.
“He was a tailor before he became a governor, but no one said he wasn’t electable because of that,” Ighodalo remarked.
“I’ve led companies and employed thousands of people. So, it’s not for Oshiomhole to say whether I’m electable or not. That decision is for the people of Edo State.”
Oshiomhole, who rose from humble beginnings as a labour leader, became a two-term governor of Edo State, which many saw as a testament to his grassroots connection and political skill.
On the other hand, Ighodalo, a well-respected businessman and board chairman, is known for his leadership in corporate circles.
He has led several major companies and boards, contributing to economic development in various sectors.
However, Oshiomhole’s camp has argued that business experience does not necessarily translate to political leadership.
Ighodalo disagreed, arguing that his experience in leading large organizations and managing people makes him well-suited for political leadership.
“I have run companies, chaired boards, and employed thousands of people. These experiences have prepared me to lead and serve the people of Edo State,” he said.
A significant part of Oshiomhole’s criticism centered on Ighodalo’s ability to connect with the people of Edo State, especially at the grassroots level.
He claimed that Ighodalo does not speak the language of his village, which he suggested could hinder his ability to lead effectively.
Ighodalo dismissed this argument, stating that language alone does not determine a leader’s ability to govern.
“Is it by language that people rule?” he asked during the interview. “If we were in my village and people were speaking, I would understand everything. You cannot sell me in my village, it’s impossible.”
He went on to cite former Governor Ambrose Alli, who is widely regarded as one of the best governors in Edo’s history.
“Ambrose Alli, whom everyone praises as a great governor, did not speak any native language.
“His name was Folorunsho, and he grew up in Yorubaland,” Ighodalo pointed out, suggesting that one’s ability to govern is not dependent on language skills.
“When people don’t have anything to tell the people about what they will do, they start insulting others,” Ighodalo said, implying that Oshiomhole’s comments were a distraction from more pressing issues.
“It’s not for him to say whether I’m electable or not. I am with my people, and I am with my village people.”
“The people of Edo State will determine whether I am electable or not,” he said. “I am confident that they will make the right choice.”
