The race for the Edo State governorship has become contentious as Dele Momodu, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply condemned recent remarks by Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State and past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oshiomhole raised doubts about the eligibility of Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, claiming he couldn’t speak his village’s language. In response, Momodu voiced his disappointment and concern over Oshiomhole’s comments, emphasizing that the main qualification for running for governor should be being a native of Edo State.
In a recent public event, Adams Oshiomhole criticized Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, arguing that he shouldn’t be elected because he doesn’t speak his village’s language. Oshiomhole’s remarks stirred controversy, bringing the issue of language proficiency in political candidates to the forefront.
In a video shared by Arise TV, Dele Momodu expressed strong disapproval of Oshiomhole’s comments. Momodu conveyed his disappointment and concern, saying he was embarrassed to see Oshiomhole promoting division based on language skills. He emphasized that simply being a native of Edo State should be the primary and sufficient qualification for Ighodalo to run for governor.
Momodu, visibly upset by Oshiomhole’s comments, said:
“I watched my big brother comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday, I was embarrassed, I was scandalized that he was preaching division and saying somebody cannot speak a language. If your child is born in America today, automatically he gets an American passport, so the fact that Asue Ighodalo is from Edo State is enough, that is what qualifies him.”
