Dr. Asue Ighodalo, former chairman of Nigeria Breweries PLC, on Monday, declared that he was nobody’s candidate as far as the Edo 2024 governorship election was concerned.
This is just as he said he was the best man to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, having worked in the background for several years.
Ighodalo who made the declaration while addressing members of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in their secretariat along Ogbelaka Street, Benin City, said he worked with Adam Oshiomhole when the latter was the governor of the state from 2008 to 2016, declaring that he is also doing the same for Governor Obaseki, who will exit the stage in 2024.
While describing himself a bonafide Edo citizen from Ewohimi in Edo Central, Ighodalo stated that he was nobody’s candidate but one who was ready to bring his experience of serving as chairman of various companies to bear when he gets the nods of the electorate next year to govern the the state.
The chairman of Alaghodaro Summit said he was offering himself for service because of his desire to make Edo strong economically, noting that there were several parts of the economy that could be used to provide for the people and take them out of poverty.
He said Edo State, as the heart beat of the nation, should have good infrastructure like good roads, pipe borne water, good hospitals, good schools and many others.
Admitting that it was a tough decision to leave the private sector for politics, he said he was prepared for the rigours of the job which demands integrity.
According to him, “I am here to serve the state and I can say I am the best man for the job. I hear people saying I am someone’s candidate but I can tell you that I am nobody’s candidate. All I will do is to bring my experience to bear having been chairman of several top companies.
“It was a tough decision to resign from that position. I’m coming from a comfort zone and you put all of that down to say you want to do things for your people. I have the ability to do things for many more people having done for fewer people in the corporate world.
“All of the experiences and connections I have had all over the years would be brought to bear. I am committed and convinced that I can do it. It looks uncertain but even it will be certain in God’s name.
“I pledge to give youths the opportunity to serve in my government because the youths have talents to build the state. Be assured that I am fully committed to the upliftment of our state andI will give my life to ensure that.”
Ighodalo noted that he would build on the success of past governments in the state, while ensuring that other policies would be fine-tuned to meet current needs.
He also said he would unite the People’s Democratic People (PDP) in the state while calling on stakeholders to bury their hatchet and work for the success of the party in the fast approaching election.