ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has extended an unconditional political amnesty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, following the recent court ruling that affirmed Okpebholo’s election victory.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Fred Itua, governor Okpebholo described the offer as a gesture of genuine sportsmanship, noting that Ighodalo has been left politically isolated after his electoral defeat.
Okpebholo remarked that the aftermath of the election has left Ighodalo in a difficult and discomforting situation, especially as many of his former allies have distanced themselves.
“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,” the governor stated.
“Since his vision aligns with what we are already doing through God’s help, we believe he still has a role to play.”
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Governor Okpebholo also took a swipe at Godwin Obaseki, alleging that the former governor who encouraged Ighodalo to run has since gone silent.
“Godwin Obaseki, who lured Asue Ighodalo to come and run for elections, is hiding in the United States of America,” Okpebholo claimed.
“Half of Obaseki’s cabinet members who regarded Ighodalo as their own personal vending machine have all deserted him and are hiding abroad.”
Emphasising his personal concern for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, Okpebholo framed the political amnesty as a form of rescue from abandonment and political loneliness.
“As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness.
“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 Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas”, he said.
The statement underscored the governor’s call for unity and reconciliation, assuring Ighodalo that any past political differences would be put aside if he accepted the offer.
According to the governor, the political amnesty is a deliberate move to promote peace and healing following the divisiveness that emerged during the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.