Edo guber: I’ll make decisions based on objective criteria — I will not be a ‘Godson’, says Asue Ighodalo

• Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the state’s gubernatorial election.
• The rift between Obaseki and Shaibu escalated until the latter’s impeachment.

Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo state, has said that he would make decisions based on objective criteria, free from external influence, if elected.

Ighodalo made these remarks during an interview on “Politics Today,” a Channels Television program that aired on Monday.

The PDP candidate pledged to forge a new path, steering clear of the missteps of his predecessors, particularly in navigating relationships with former leaders.

When asked about potential political hurdles, Ighodalo revealed that his upbringing taught him to think independently.

Ighodalo also promised to seek guidance and collaborate with individuals across party lines.

“Definitely, I will be a man of my own. Truly, I have been a man of my own since I was 18 years old. I was brought up by my parents to make my decisions by myself, and I have gone through life having done several things,” he said.

“The direct answer to your question is that I will be a man of my own. I have been a man of my own since I was 18 years old.

“I was brought up by my parents to make decisions by myself, and I have gone through life having done several things.

“But that does not mean I will not take advice from other people who have gone through similar experiences.

“It is important, I say that, because it is only a foolish person who will go through certain endeavours and work types without taking advice.

“Throughout my life, I have had great mentors while growing up in my profession, either as a lawyer, businessperson, or in the boardroom.

“I have always sought the advice of people I looked up to, who I valued, and looked at their capacity and their performances.

“Even in my political career so far, I have conferred with different people, including political leaders in the state across all parties, many in the PDP, some in other parties.

“I have talked to some of my friends who were governors years ago and who worked in the presidency years ago. So, I will always seek advice so that I can avoid the mistakes that many have made. It is important.”