The Question Of Credibility: A Last-Minute Governorship Registration Reveals The Deception Of Asue Ighodalo

The Question Of Credibility: A Last-Minute Governorship Registration Reveals The Deception Of Asue Ighodalo

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

The law guarantees the right to vote and be voted for, a cornerstone of our democratic process. However, this principle seems strained when a governorship candidate sneaks off to register just four months before an election. Such actions raise serious questions about the candidate’s seriousness and commitment to the democratic process. Is this a strategic move or a sign of desperation? More importantly, can voters trust a candidate who appears only at the last minute?

Recent reports have exposed that the PDP governorship candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, in the forthcoming September election in Edo State, only recently registered to vote. This registration took place during a temporary reopening of voters’ registration in Edo State ahead of the governorship election. This revelation underscores several troubling aspects about Ighodalo’s candidacy.

Firstly, it suggests that Ighodalo is a complete stranger to grassroots politics. A candidate who only registers to vote just before an election demonstrates a lack of engagement with the community and an unfamiliarity with the everyday struggles and aspirations of the electorate. Grassroots politics involves understanding the pains and sacrifices of the masses, and knowing the people in the trenches and villages. By registering so late, Ighodalo shows he is disconnected from these crucial aspects of political life.

Secondly, this move displays a fundamental disregard for the ethics of political engagement. Credible candidates typically show long-term commitment to the electoral process, demonstrating their dedication through sustained engagement and transparency. Ighodalo’s last-minute registration can be seen as an attempt to deceive the electorate, masking his lack of involvement and engagement until the eleventh hour. This raises significant concerns about his integrity and reliability.

Furthermore, this act of registering late aligns with allegations that Ighodalo is a stooge of Governor Godwin Obaseki, brought in as a successor rather than a genuine candidate with his own vision and connection to the people. If true, this suggests that Ighodalo’s candidacy is more about maintaining the current administration’s hold on power rather than offering fresh ideas and independent leadership.

In conclusion, the case of Asue Ighodalo’s last-minute registration is a clear indication of deception and a lack of genuine commitment to the democratic process. Voters in Edo State should consider these factors carefully as they decide who to support in the forthcoming election.

A candidate who only appears at the last minute, without prior engagement or transparency, does not deserve the trust of the electorate. The integrity of our democracy depends on electing leaders who are truly committed to serving the people, not those who engage in last-minute maneuvers to secure power.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.