Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and Publisher of Ovation Magazine International, Dele Momodu has condemned the comments of former Edo state governor Adams Oshiomhole against Edo Peoples’ Democratic Party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Oshiomhole had declared Ighodalo unelectable following alleged constitutional violations and fraud, as well as accused Ighodalo of manipulating the political process and failing to connect with the people of Edo State, citing Ighodalo’s inability to speak his native language and his reliance on an interpreter during his campaign.
However, during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Momodu expressed his dismay at the remarks made by Oshiomhole, deeming them divisive and inappropriate.
Referring to Oshiomhole as his “big brother,” he stated, “I watched my big brother yesterday, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. I was embarrassed, I was scandalised that he was preaching division and saying because somebody cannot speak a language, they’re unelectable.”
He emphasised that Ighodalo’s origin from Edo state should be sufficient for his candidacy and highlighted the importance of evaluating a candidate based on their qualifications, contributions to nation-building, and overall capability.
“Asue Ighodalo is from Edo state, and that’s what qualifies him. But the other qualification is how is his background? What is his foundation? What has he contributed to nation building? Is he capable or is he incapable? Is there any reason or any scandal that will not make us vote for him? The answer is no,” he continued.
He praised Ighodalo as one of the most accomplished individuals in the race and criticised Oshiomhole’s focus on language skills as a basis for disqualification.
“This is one of the most accomplished people we have in the race today and you want to disqualify him on television because you say he can’t speak a language,” he remarked.
The PDP chieftain concluded by describing Oshiomole’s actions as being in “bad taste,” underscoring his disappointment and urging for a more inclusive and merit-based evaluation of candidates.
Melissa Enoch
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