Wike Claims Coalition Defeated Ighodalo in Edo Election

Nyesom Wike, a member of the PDP and serving as the FCT minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claimed responsibility for the defeat of Ighodalo in the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State. He stated that a political alliance between members of the PDP and the APC was crucial in preventing former Governor Godwin Obaseki from influencing the election through a successor of his choice.

Wike noted that the collaboration between the two parties was instrumental in the victory of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo over Ighodalo, marking the end of Obaseki's administration. Wike explained that despite being in the same party, he could not support Ighodalo due to his association with Obaseki, whom he described as ungrateful.

He acknowledged Ighodalo's qualifications but maintained that supporting him would effectively allow Obaseki to retain political power. Wike asserted that both Okpebholo and Adams Oshiomhole could confirm the significance of the coalition in the election outcome.