Edo Election: Makinde Declares Support for PDP Candidate Amid Wike's Opposition
Makinde Backs PDP's Asue Ighodalo for Edo Election
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has openly declared his full support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming September 21 election in Edo State. This statement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, where Makinde clarified his stance on the Edo polls.
Clarification on Absence from Edo Campaign
Makinde addressed concerns regarding his absence from the PDP's campaign grand finale for the Edo State election. Despite not being present, the Oyo Governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP candidate, urging all party members and the people of Edo State to rally behind Ighodalo. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a candidate who would bring meaningful development to the state.
“Let me declare that I am 100 percent with our candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo," Makinde said. He went on to encourage Edo voters to support Ighodalo, adding, "If Edo people want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo to get what is truly nutritious.”
Wike's Opposition to Ighodalo
Makinde’s public endorsement of Ighodalo comes shortly after a contrasting statement from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike, in an interview with Channels Television, announced his refusal to support either the outgoing Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki or the PDP’s governorship candidate, Ighodalo, for the upcoming election.
Wike cited his previous support for Obaseki, which, according to him, had been met with disrespect and ungratefulness. He recalled that Obaseki had approached him to back Ighodalo as his successor, but Wike flatly refused, stating, "I will not support him because my past support for Obaseki earned me nothing but unending insults."
The G5 Alliance and Its Influence
Makinde and Wike, both former members of the G5 group of PDP governors, had previously refused to back the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 general elections. This internal disagreement within the party has continued to play out, most recently in their differing positions regarding the Edo State governorship race.
As the election approaches, the conflicting endorsements of Makinde and Wike have added a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Edo State, leaving observers to watch closely as the campaign enters its final days.
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