Asue Ighodalo’s Politics Without Bitterness
In the competitive landscape of Nigerian politics, good sportsmanship is a trait that many politicians lack.Thisiswhythestatementissuedlastweekbythe governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)inEdoState,Mr.AsueIghodalo,deserves commendation.
In the statement, Ighodalo set a positive tone for the campaigns that are due to begin shortly by demonstrating decorum. First, he extended congratulations to his major opponents in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Ok- pebholo,andtheLabourParty(LP),OlumideAkpata, for their emergence as governorship candidates of their respective parties for the upcoming elections in the state.
Known for his calm demeanour and integrity as a businessman, Ighodalo in what is as politics without bitterness, urged both Okpebholo and Akpata to prioritise issue-based campaigns leading up to the September governorship election.
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, he high- lighted the dangers of hatred and vitriol disguised as political slogans, warning against the lingering effectsofpastpoliticalfiresthatcontinuetosmoulder across the nation.
“I and my team will continue to campaign to the people of Edo State in the language and behaviour that seek to unite rather than divide,” he said.
“Wewillstayfocusedontheissuesthatmatterto our people and there will be no descent into abuse, ethnic-baitingandname-calling.Wemustnotdestroy the unity of the state we seek to govern. I therefore, urgeallmyfellowcandidatestosimilarlyrunrespect- ful issue-based campaigns.”
Apart from his admonition, Ighodalo’s actions exemplified his refined leadership qualities, setting a standard for others to follow. It shows that ifelectedgovernorofEdoState,hisconductsuggests he would instill a similar level of grace and integrity in leadership.
Hisadmonitionresonateswiththesloganofformer PresidentGoodluckJonathanin2014,emphasising that no political ambition is worth the sacrifice of the life of any Nigerian.
His remarks stand in stark contrast to the recent actionsoftheAPCNationalChairman,AbdullahiGanduje, who openly boasted about his party’s chances ofwinningtheelectioninthestate.Suchstatements fuel desperation, encourage thuggery, and sow the seeds of chaos, which is the opposite of what the state needs at this crucial time.