The governorship aspiration of Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has received a boost as a co-aspirant, John Yakubu, a two-time Esan North East local government area chairman stepped down for him.
Yakubu disclosed his action to journalists yesterday at Igueben, the administrative headquarters of Igueben local government area of Edo State.
He spoke after a closed-door meeting with the Edo Central PDP Special Committee headed by the former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi.
Yakubu said he opted to step down in the interest of the party as well as the positive activities displayed by Ighodalo.
He said, “After due consultation across our top party leadership spectrum, members of my Campaign Organisation and my teeming supporters, across the three Senatorial Districts and beyond.
“I have decided that for the overall interest of our party and the yearning of Edo people to continue to have the PDP at Osadebe Avenue, to lay down my gubernatorial aspiration.
“Going by the wise direction paved and shown by our party Senatorial leadership so far, the body language of members of our party and the positive activities displayed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo himself.
Continuing: “It has become very clear that he, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, stands in good position to bring about this much needed development to us as a party and in the state.
“On this ground, I stand solidly behind Dr. Asue Ighodalo, not only as our gubernatorial Candidate but in all of the activities that will ensure his victory and our victory at the polls come September, 2024”, he declared.
Four other aspirants: a former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and member of House of Representatives, Hon. Friday Itula, Senator Clifford Odia in the 9th Senate, House of Representatives member, Marcus Onobun and Kenneth Awolimen have already stepped down for Ighodalo.
Meanwhile, the Ikimi committee will today announce the consensus aspirant.
