The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, on Monday, advised the people of the state against voting an illiterate as the next governor.
Making a veiled reference to the gaffe by the candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Ighodalo, while addressing a crowd on Monday, said, “Edo doesn’t need an illiterate who will bring insecurity to the state.”
Ighodalo, who spoke at the Olua Primary School Field, Uselu, the venue of the PDP campaign rally in the Egor Local Government Area, pledged to bring out the best in the youth by harnessing their potential in a positive way for the good of all.
He said, “We will work and bring out the creative potential of our youths in a way that will benefit all. We don’t need an illiterate who will bring insecurity.
“It’s time to move forward. Ogie (his running mate) and I are very ready to work for you all. So, don’t fear, don’t worry, we’re for you all. Prosperity has come for all. Just go out on the 21st and vote early and protect your votes.”
Also speaking, Governor Godwin Obaseki said he had done his best for the state and that Ighodalo and Ogie would continue when he hands over to them.
He added, “I have done my best. Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from November 12. We want progress. We want to move forward and not backward. Looking at the people here, you see a lot of youths. I am not surprised because Egor is home to youths. We have the University of Benin and the Benin Technical College.
“September 21 is the most important election in Edo State. Don’t make a mistake. For the sake of continuity, it must be the PDP; Ighodalo is youth-friendly.
“I have known him for 40 years and he is very brilliant. So, no mistake on September 21 because all the works in the Egor Local Government Area are too important to be allowed to stop. Go out early and vote and protect your votes,” he added.
The Chairman of Edo State PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, thanked the people of Egor for coming out en masse to welcome the campaign team, urging them to do the same on election day.