Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he opposed Asue Ighodalo’s bid to develop into Edo State governor in 2024 as a result of he needed to cease former Governor Godwin Obaseki from selecting his successor.
Wike made the disclosure on Monday at a stakeholders’ assembly of the rainbow coalition in Abuja, the place he mentioned cooperation between factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) contributed to the ruling get together’s victory within the Edo governorship election.
“In the last election that took place in Edo State, the victory was as a result of the coalition between the legacy of PDP and the APC,” he mentioned.
He added: “We had to work together to make sure that the former governor, Governor Obaseki, did not produce his successor. And that is the truth. I was behind it, and I don’t have any regrets about it. So when people say that nothing like coalition, they tell lies.”
Wike mentioned Ighodalo, whom he described as a great candidate, visited his residence greater than thrice to hunt his help however was turned down due to his opposition to Obaseki.
“He came to my house more than three times. I said, ‘Listen, you’re a good candidate, but for this election, I’m sorry, because this election is between us and the man who is bringing you, called Obaseki, ungrateful person, so returning you is like bringing him back, so I’m sorry. You have to fail,’ and he failed,” Wike mentioned.
The FCT minister mentioned Governor Monday Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, may attest to the position the alliance performed in defeating the PDP candidate.
“The truth of the matter is that it has been there, depending on how it is worked out. So the governor today, Senator Okpebholo, will know sincerely that it was that coalition,” he mentioned.
Wike, who stays a PDP member, mentioned he withheld help from the get together’s candidate as a result of he didn’t need Obaseki to find out who succeeded him, regardless of describing Ighodalo as a robust candidate and a former financial institution managing director.
His remarks come amid renewed consideration on the rainbow coalition and efforts by political actors to construct alliances forward of the 2027 common elections.
