In a significant turn of events in the political landscape of Edo State, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, a former member of the House of Representatives and aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo 2024 governorship election, has stepped down from the race. She has endorsed Barr. Asue Ighodalo, the former chairman of Sterling Bank, as her preferred candidate.
Omosede Igbinedion made this announcement at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the venue of the PDP primary election, while addressing delegates and party faithful. She described the decision to step down as a painful one but stated that she was doing it in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice, advocating that Edo Central should produce the next governor of Edo State.
In her words, “My aspiration to become governor of Edo State was born out of a desire to contribute to the growth and development of my state. In 2015 I became the youngest female elected into the House of Representatives in Nigeria as well as the first female to be elected into the House of Representatives in Edo State, yes, I broke that glass ceiling and yes I dare to do it again this time around vying for the seat of the lady governor of Edo State.
"However, I will today set aside my ambition for the sake of equity, fairness and justice to the Esan people. Today, I appeal to all my supporters, all the delegates, leaders, women leaders, youth leaders across party lines and outside the state to join me to support Asue Ighodalo to become the next governor of Edo State.
"I hereby wish to endorse and support the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, firstly because he is from Esan and secondly I see him as the best candidate in PDP from Esan extraction to be able to lead the people of Edo State and I have no doubt we will be victorious in the upcoming Edo 2024 elections.”
Finally, she urged her supporters to vote massively for Asue Ighodalo. This development marks a significant turn in the political dynamics of the upcoming Edo 2024 governorship elections. It highlights the importance of unity and strategic alliances in achieving political goals, and sets the stage for an intriguing electoral contest.