Esan4Esan Global Support League, a group in Esanland, has endorsed Dr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its candidate in the Edo State governorship election, holding on Saturday.
The influential Esan group arrived at the choice of Ighodalo as its candidate during a crucial virtual meeting held by some elites from Esanland.
The meeting was held to evaluate the candidature of the PDP candidate and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, who are both from Esanland.
Esan4Esan Global Support League stated in a release by its President/Coordinating Director, Dr. Elizabeth Okoruwa Okojie (Dr. Ojugo), that the decision to pick Ighodalo ahead of Okpebholo for the election was unanimous.
“After meticulous examination, Barrister Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the charismatic PDP flag-bearer, emerged as the clear choice for governor.
“Our resolve to support Dr. Ighodalo stems from his clear, non-ambiguous manifestos, which align with our vision for Esanland’s resurgence,” Dr Okojie stated in the release.
Esan4Esan Global Support League further stated in the release that the endorsement of Ighodalo was based on his key pillars of campaign, including:
“Quality education: Dr. Ighodalo’s vision for enhancing education in Edo State aligns with our desire for a well-equipped future generation.
“Maximum security: His commitment to combating insecurity through technological innovation resonates deeply with our quest for peace and safety.
“Economic growth: Dr. Ighodalo’s plans for technologically driven agriculture, provision of pipe-borne water, and development of road networks will propel Esanland toward unprecedented economic growth.
“Job creation: His promise to create job opportunities exceeding the working population is a beacon of hope for our youth.
“Inclusive governance: Dr. Ighodalo’s pledge to promote tourism, collaborate with indigenes in Diaspora, and harness our natural resources for economic growth has won our hearts.”
The group therefore urged Senator Okpebholo to peacefully step down from election and return to his legislative role at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to refrain from conflict, recognising that both flag-bearers are illustrious sons of the same ancestral parentage.
“To emphasise our appeal, a million letters will be written to Senator Okpebholo by Esans at home and in diaspora, expressing our collective desire for peaceful resolution.
“These letters will be sent to his (Okpebholo) email, WhatsApp and other social media handles,” the group added in the release.
The Coordinating Director of Esan4Esan Global Support League, Dr. Okojie (Dr. Ojugo) stated that she and other members of the group looked forward to congratulating Dr. Ighodalo upon his anticipated victory and swearing in as the next governor of Edo State.
She called on the people of Esanland and Edo State in general to be more united in the cause of seeking for a brighter future.