Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has extended an olive branch to Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 governorship election.
In a statement by his spokesman Fred Itua, the governor described his offer of “political amnesty” as a show of true sportsmanship, considering Ighodalo’s alleged abandonment by his political benefactors after the election.
“I want to publicly invite Mr Asue Ighodalo to join us in the APC so that, together, we can advance the cause of development in our dear State.
“Since his vision aligns with what we are already doing through God’s help, we believe he still has a role to play, ” he said.
The governor also criticised Godwin Obaseki, Ighodalo’s former supporter, saying, “Godwin Obaseki, who lured Asue Ighodalo to come and run for elections, is hiding in the United States of America.
”Half of Obaseki’s cabinet members who regarded Ighodalo as their own personal vending machine have all deserted him and are hiding abroad.”
Okpebholo expressed concern for Ighodalo’s well-being, stating, “As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness.”
He emphasised the need for unity and reconciliation in developing Edo State, protecting its people, and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“As a people, we have a task of ensuring that we continue to develop Edo State, protect our people, and work hard to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
”Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas,” the governor noted.
Okpebholo assured Ighodalo that any past differences would be set aside if he accepts the offer, aiming to foster peace and heal divisions that emerged during the election.
The gesture, according to the statement, is a deliberate move to foster peace and heal the divisions that emerged during the last governorship election in Edo State.
