Edo Guber: I have capacity to unite PDP in Edo, says Ighodalo

A former Chairman of Nigeria Breweries and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic People (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, said he would unite the party in Edo State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

He called on party leaders, as well as stakeholders to bury their hatchets and work for the success of the party in the state.

Ighodalo, who assured of his readiness to reposition the PDP despite the infighting, spoke to newsmen during a chat in Benin City, the state capital.

The PDP governorship aspirant vowed to return the party to its pride of place, as a truly democratic party, saying he has the capability to handle and to reach out to aggrieved stakeholders.

He said: “I see the rift within the party as a challenge. Though, many people see it as a major problem.  I see a positive side to it. It is an opportunity to strengthen the party and to unite members, as well as to have a stronger PDP.

“My role is to be a unifier; someone the party leaders can trust. I had the opportunity to be admitted into the homes of all PDP leaders in the state regardless of any faction they belong to. Whether faction or no faction, I know we are going to come together as a party. We will unite because that is our strength. That is the work I am here to do. The PDP is a strong party in Edo.”

According to him: “I would do my utmost best to bridge the gaps and layers of distrust. That’s my focus. I think I can put myself forward as a unifier.

Expressing his unwavering commitment to delivering good governance if given the party’s ticket, Ighodalo said that he worked with Adam Oshiomhole when he was a governor of the state from 2008 to 2016, and is also doing the same for Obaseki, whose tenure would end in 2024.

While describing himself as a detribalised Nigerian, and bonafide Edo citizen from Ewohimi in Edo Central, Ighodalo pledged to bring his vast experience and exposure of serving as chairman on the boards of various companies to bear as governor of the state.