By Ken Afor
Asue Ighodalo, the anointed candidate of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki ahead of the September 21 governorship election has gained further support as Marcus Onobun, a former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and an aspirant for the governorship position in the state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), withdrew his candidacy.
Onobun is currently a member in the House of Representatives representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency.
However, Onobun despite not being present at the candidate screening last Saturday, January 6, 2024 attending his grandfather’s funeral, officially declared his withdrawal from the race through a personally signed letter.
The federal lawmaker, while stating his reasons for withdrawing from the race, said his decision was based on the spirit of sportsmanship and respect for leaders in the state.
His words: “I have done consultation across the State, and in the spirit of sportsmanship and respect for our leaders, I wish to suspend my aspiration for Edo 2024 Governorship and support my brother, Barr. Asue Ighodalo.
“It is my desire to see an Esan man become Edo Governor in 2024. And I pledge my commitment to take a front seat in this struggle. God bless my leader and the Edo Central Special Committee.”
Similarly, Senator Clifford Ordia, the former Senator who served as the representative of Edo Central senatorial district from 2015 to 2023, has declared his withdrawal from the race for governorship, endorsing Mr. Ighodalo instead.
Also, last Friday, January 5, 2024, two other party aspirants, Friday Itulah and Kenneth Ahbulimen, made the decision to withdraw from the race and publicly endorse Mr. Ighodalo.
It has been reported that Mr Ighodalo has already secured endorsements from various aspirants and groups, which enhances his prospects of being chosen as the party’s favoured candidate for the governorship ticket.
The official launch of Mr. Ighodalo’s campaign is scheduled for January 12, 2024.
