Edo State Deputy Governor Shaibu criticizes the PDP gubernatorial candidate for not being able to speak his native language, sparking controversy ahead of the elections.

It has been asserted by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu that Asue Ighodalo, who is running as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election in September 2024 within this state, lacks support from its residents.

On Friday, during his appearance on a Channels TV show, Shaibu claimed that the PDP contender is shunned by members of his own community due to an inability to communicate in their indigenous tongue.

He made a pledge to ensure that Ighodalo, who has been chosen by the current governor Godwin Obaseki as his successor, would not gain victory in the elections.

He stated that they are now in the political arena and will observe where Obaseki’s strength lies as they await him in this forthcoming election.

“I can confirm that Asue Ighodalo is not wanted by the locals, even his own community in Ewohimi rejects him due to his inability to speak their native language.”

Shaibu claimed that Obaseki’s victory in the 2020 election was due to sympathy as voters believed he was being oppressed at the time.