In a decisive victory, Asue Ighodalo, a well-known businessman, clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary for Edo State, triumphing over co-aspirants. The election took place on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Ighodalo secured 577 votes, as announced by the Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. Governor Dauda, acting as the chief returning officer, officially declared Ighodalo the winner of the primary.

“I, therefore, declare Asuelimen Ighodalo the winner of this concluded primary today with a total vote of 577. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” Governor Dauda announced, flanked by his Delta State counterpart and co-chairman of the election committee, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Expressing gratitude in his acceptance speech, Ighodalo, adorned in a white kaftan and accompanied by his wife Ifenyinwa Ighodalo, thanked delegates, supporters, and the PDP for their unwavering support.

“I am actually, totally humbled,” Ighodalo remarked. “I thank the good people of Edo State. In the last four months, I have got to meet them more,” he added.

Commending incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki for laying a solid foundation, Ighodalo pledged to give his all for the state’s progress. “I am only a tool in this process, and I promise you all I will be a good tool. By the grace of God, Edo State will move from where Governor Obaseki stopped,” stated the lawyer, who hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

As the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming September 2024 election, Ighodalo expressed commitment to contributing positively to the state’s development.