The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has vowed to resolve the sufferings of the people if elected in the upcoming September 21 election.
“We tell them that we are the party and we will be the government that will solve the problems and sufferings of the people,” Ighodalo said when he appeared on Arise Television's morning show on Monday.
With 26 days to go until the gubernatorial election, the state has been abuzz with political activity as serious contenders among the 17 political parties fielding candidates jostle to outdo each other in their campaigns.
Mr Ighodalo unveiled his manifesto in June 2024, promising security, increasing the state's internally generated revenue and making it a major tourist destination in Africa.
Answering questions on Arise TV on Monday, he pledged to prioritize safety.
He said he would find resources to create technologically enhanced security in the state to help law enforcement officers serve effectively.
“If we do not achieve adequate security in Edo State or any state in Nigeria or Nigeria as a country, many of our problems will not go away,” he said.
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Mr Ighodalo, a lawyer, promised to create more jobs and an enabling environment for businesses, while ensuring that people receive decent wages.
According to him, the former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Nigerian Breweries promised to solve the water problem in the state which would require between N60 and N70 billion.
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“I know where the money is,” he said, adding that it would build trust and transparency in government to attract capital and donors.
He said he would make Edo State a tourist hub for tourists within and outside Nigeria by leveraging on the cultural heritage and hospitality of the state and showcasing its unique heritage.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday upheld the validity of the PDP primary election that resulted in Ighodalo as the party's primary candidate in Edo State.
Mr Ighodalo also alleged on television on Monday that his supporters had been harassed in the state and called for intervention by security agencies.