It was simply massive, organic and spontaneous when, on Friday, Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo stormed Wards 2 and 3, Ujabhole, Uwesan in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State in continuation of his campaign.
In a carnival like reception, heralded by canon shots as a way traditional salute, the unprecedented crowd surged forward with joy and excitement amid singing, drumming and dancing with vuvuzela blaring at top volumes, to have a handshake with the ‘man wey sabi’, and in the process almost literally overwhelmed those saddled with the responsibility for his personal safety and security arrangements, who, however, displayed professionalism in discharging their job.
An excited supporter, who identified himself simply as Mr Alex, lifted his AI/O2 branded cap in an emotional gesture to the sky and belted, “this is the man, this is the man. When you see the real thing you go know am, nor bi the fake. Dis one na real thing“. And with that, he galloped off and blended seamlessly into the terrific crowd.
On another scale, it was more like a popularity contest among supporter groups as caucuses, youths, women and sundry bodies, radiantly dressed in uniformed attires to outdo one another, and emerge the most well organised support team.
Man of the moment, Ighodalo dutifully and respectfully moved from one ‘canopy’ to the next greeting as many as he could, displaying humility as he greets elderly ones by intermittently removing his cap and bowing to them.
The danceable music blaring for the heavy duty speakers of the bands, who repeatedly chanted ‘Asue Ighodalo for governor’ as he churned out melodious tunes, electrified the large swath of open field, venue of the event.
After the customary entertainment, Ighodalo took the centre stage, and addressed the huge gathering. He expressed his joy and happiness at the warm reception accorded him with profuse gratitude. He then proceeded to assure the gathering that, as their son, he would not disappoint them. He reiterated his vision to make Edo State a first world sub-national in the country and assured that he would not fail them. He vowed to make them proud.
Friday 7 June will go down as a significant day for the PDP as it represents the moment its high-flying candidate literally ‘invaded’ the community of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate with an unambiguous statement of intent to be the next governor of the state.
