Marcus Onobun, the member of the House of Representatives representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency, as well as a leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has withdrawn from the race and expressed his full support for Asue Ighodalo, the former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc. Senator Clifford Ordia, the immediate past Senator representing Edo Central senatorial district, has also abandoned his governorship ambition in favor of Ighodalo.
As a result of these endorsements, the Edo Central PDP Special Committee has postponed the screening of governorship aspirants from the senatorial zone, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, to Wednesday, January 10, 2024. This decision was made during a meeting held at Chief Tom Ikimi’s residence in Igueben, who is the Chairman of the Special Committee and the national leader of the party.
Earlier in the week, two prominent aspirants of the party, Friday Itulah and Kenneth Ahbulimen, had also withdrawn from the race and declared their support for Ighodalo, citing patriotism and the best interests of the Esan and Edo people.
Onobun conveyed his endorsement of Ighodalo through a personally signed letter, explaining that he was unable to attend the screening due to his grandfather’s funeral ceremony.
He emphasized that his decision to step down and unite his structure with Ighodalo’s was made after careful consultation and in the spirit of sportsmanship and respect for the leaders of Esan land. While acknowledging Ighodalo’s credibility, competence, and qualifications, Onobun pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the emergence of an Esan man as the next governor of Edo State.
During the gathering at Ikimi’s residence, various aspirants were present, including Mr. Anselm Ojiezua, Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. John Yakubu, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, and Mr. Asue Ighodalo. Ikimi expressed his gratitude to the aspirants for their dedication to the party’s overall interests and the Esan people.
Ojiezua mentioned that he was still in the process of consulting and awaited the committee’s decision. Senator Ordia emphasized the importance of making personal sacrifices for the party’s benefit and announced his support for Ighodalo’s ambition.
John Yakubu stated that he had traveled throughout the state and needed time to consult before conveying his decision to the committee within the next 24 hours. Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi also requested additional time for consultation before revealing his stance. Ighodalo expressed his appreciation for the committee’s sacrifices and assured them of his continued alignment.
Following a brief meeting, Chairman Ikimi adjourned the screening of aspirants to Wednesday, January 10, 2024, allowing aspirants more time for consultation.
