Ose Anenih, Director of Strategy for the Asue Ighodalo Campaign Organisation, has criticised Adams Oshiomhole’s recent comments on the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s 2024 governorship candidate, describing APC members, particularly in Edo State, as “a party of liars and propagandists.”
Adams Oshiomhole had earlier described PDP’s Ighodalo as “unelectable” following alleged constitutional violations and fraud.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Anenih highlighted Ighodalo’s impressive career, arguing that Ighodalo’s achievements in the private sector underscore his capability and success, countering claims that he lacks the experience needed for public office.
He also noted that Ighodalo’s leadership could significantly benefit Edo State, stating, “Dr. Asue has the pedigree and international trust to attract financing to Edo State. Simply by being Governor, people will open their pockets.”
He further challenged the Edo State APC members to provide evidence of their own candidate’s credentials.
“I think the APC members, particularly in Edo state is a party of liars and propagandists. Asue set up Banwo and Ighodalo in 1991 and today that is arguably the largest and most successful law firm in Nigeria. So, for anybody to look at Asue Ighodalo and say he hasn’t excelled in the private sector is wrong.
“He has proven over a career of 30 or 40 years that he is able to build wealth and develop people and that is what he wants to do in Edo state. I throw the challenge back to them. Can they show me the track record or pedigree of their candidate? It is not about where you are from.”
The Director of Strategy praised Ighodalo’s empathetic approach, noting his frequent visits to markets, shops, and schools to engage directly with the people of Edo State. This personal connection, he argued, has renewed hope among residents.
Anenih expressed deep disappointment, describing the former governor’s remarks as deceptive and lacking in statesmanship. He criticised Oshiomhole for what he perceived as an attempt to discredit Ighodalo through misinformation.
He highlighted that under the new electoral act, spreading false information about candidates is an offense that could result in imprisonment or fines, confirming that a formal complaint has been filed against Oshiomhole for the violations.
“I watched Oshiomhole’s interview with a mixture of disappointment and shock. I know the former governor. He is supposed to be an elder statesman. I was really disappointed to see him descending to the arena, that would not be a problem if he decided to discard the garb of statesmanship. I was shocked to see him come on national television to push lies and propaganda.
“The new electoral act, in section 123 b and c says if you come out and push false information that seeks to discredit a candidate, you have committed an offence and you are liable to six months in jail or I think a hundred thousand naira fine and it is something we have filed. I don’t want people to think that they can come on air and speak recklessly and break the law and think there are no consequences. We want to test if Oshiomhole is truly above the law.”
Anenih also spoke on the former governor’s comments on Ighodalo’s ethnic background, which he (Anenih) claimed were designed to sow division.
He dismissed the idea that Ighodalo’s non-native language status should disqualify him, stressing that personal background should not be a barrier to public service.
“On the issue of being out of touch with Edo people, he said I don’t think he is speaking the truth. I said he came to push lies and propaganda. I think he did even worse on Wednesday. He came pushing an ethnic agenda. I was disappointed that instead of speaking to the issues that affect the Edo people, their security, their hunger, all caused by policies pushed by the government he represents.
“He came talking about Asue being a stranger because he doesn’t speak his language. I don’t speak my language; I am an Edo man and my mother is Igbo. Does that make me any less qualified to run for office? I wished when he started speaking about this ethnic dog whistling, I really wished we had pushed back at him.”
Chioma Kalu
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