INTERVIEW: From Boardroom to Ballot: Asue Ighodalo’s Bold Vision for a Prosperous Edo State

Asue Ighodalo stands at the crossroads of law, business, and governance, with a legacy that spans over three decades of excellence. As the PDP candidate in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections set for September 21, 2024, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to his home state, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Edo to thrive. Known for his leadership in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and economic advisory roles, Asue’s influence reaches beyond boardrooms to the corridors of public policy. From co-founding Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, to steering crucial national initiatives like the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Securities and Exchange Commission, his journey is one of vision and resilience.

But what drives this seasoned professional to step into the political arena? In this exclusive interview, Asue Ighodalo speaks candidly about his vision for Edo State, the challenges he anticipates, and how his multifaceted career has uniquely positioned him to lead the State into a new era of economic prosperity and social development. With a focus on infrastructure, education, and creating opportunities for the next generation, Asue Ighodalo offers a compelling case for why Edo State must embrace a future of growth and sustainability under his leadership.

Given your recent entry into the political arena, how does it feel to have quickly risen as one of the leading candidates in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election?

I think the idea of my recent entry into politics is a mistake many, many people make. I’ve been politically active all my adult life. I marched against the military as a member of Young Professionals and the youngest member of the NADECO board at the time, and I’ve always supported, and mentored local politicians who I felt had something to offer our people. But you are right; my rise in the public’s consciousness has been meteoric, and I owe it all to the support I’ve had from my family and my team. Quite frankly, I’m grateful that the Edo people have embraced me and my message of prosperity.

What went through your mind when you first decided to run for Governor? What was the spark that ignited this journey?

It wasn’t one thing; it was several sparks. My parents raised me and my siblings to be grateful for what we had and to always offer a helping hand to those in need. I quickly found out that even though I had quietly devoted myself to philanthropy in my personal and professional life, it always paled into insignificance when measured against what an empathetic government could do. I served on the board of the Nigerian sovereign investment fund, and through that fund, we completed the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and several cancer treatment centres. As a board chairman I could maybe positively affect 5,000 lives. As Governor of Edo State, I would be able to improve the lives of more than 5 million residents. The amount of good public office allows you do is mind-boggling; that is why I’m sometimes amazed when I see how much poverty and suffering our people are going through, across the nation.

One of the biggest sparks is my wife. My wife and daughter have always felt I’d be fit for public office, and then the final push I needed came from a very senior mentor, who came from his sick bed to tell me this journey was one I had to undertake. It was sadly the last time I saw him.

I want to do good, I want to help as many of my people as is humanly possible. That’s the fire I’ve always had inside. I have the experience and networks that can solve our problems of hunger, insecurity and find the investment needed for an industrial and infrastructural revolution. These are the sparks that will continue to light my path and guide me on this journey.

How’s it going so far? What has been the most unexpected experience you’ve encountered?

Oh boy! It’s been tough! Campaigning for as long as we’ve had to do under this new electoral timetable has been brutal. But paradoxically, I’ve loved it. The most unexpected thing was finding out that I was happiest when I was amongst the people. Talking to them, hugging, listening to their stories, breaking bread with people who would roll out their best to receive you despite limited mean…it has truly been a humbling experience.

I’ve also found there’s a lot of distrust and cynicism towards the political class, so getting past that required a lot of time and effort. I anticipated that, and I think the acceptance of my message by the people of Edo State has been a pleasant surprise. Being able to point to what I had done in my life before I decided to run for office helped. I’ve built wealth and people for almost four decades; it makes it easier for people to believe I will do the same as Governor.

Let’s talk about Edo. When you think about the future of the State, what’s your ultimate vision? What are the top priorities you’d tackle if elected?

Thinking about Edo fills me with optimism. So much foundational work has been done by Gov. Obaseki that makes it possible to continue moving the State on an upward trajectory. If I’m elected as Governor we want to work over the next 4 to 8 years on eliminating poverty and deprivation. I believe Edo State can become the most prosperous and secure sub-sovereign in Nigeria.

My top priorities start with security. Without it, we can’t do anything. Then of course we need to address the immediate and more long-term welfare needs of my people; focus on baking a bigger economic cake; maintain the digitalization of the civil service and open it up even more so it is more transparent and inclusive of women and youths; and finally deliver a sustainable and green environment that goes beyond keeping litter off the street and explores waste to wealth initiatives, renewable energy and the protection of our beautiful and diverse flora and fauna.

Edo State excites me when I think of the opportunities we have to be truly great. Imagine building a tourist economy around our rich traditions and culture. Imagine boosting our potential as a natural logistics hub with roads, parks and a port. Imagine turning our State into the knowledge and talent incubation hub of Nigeria by investing and supporting our innovation tech hubs and creative industries

Education and healthcare are the backbone of any thriving society. What innovative plans do you have to uplift these sectors in Edo State?

World-class public education and healthcare platforms exist in Edo State already; what we will focus on is expanding access and reducing cost. Our EdoBest primary education programme has moved us from the 28th ranked to first or second next to Anambra in education outcomes for our students; we want to turn our tertiary institutions into the best in the country; and we plan on not just providing bursaries to students but on incentivizing STEM courses so we produce graduates fit for the 21st century work demands.

In health, I believe Edo State’s Health Insurance Scheme is already the best in the country. We must expand adoption so more people are able to access insurance cover for their health needs; part of this plan includes providing free health insurance for our senior citizens. We also must recognize that healthcare workers are global workers; so we must find a way to not just train more doctors and nurses; but provide incentives that will keep them here in Edo State. A few of our policy proposals include a ‘rural’ allowance that encourages healthcare workers to remain in their rural postings and a housing scheme that rewards personnel who serve in rural communities. My interaction with this community reveals their need for more specialized training opportunities alongside salaries and allowances that recognize their critical contributions to society.

Nigerians have heard countless promises over the years, many of which go unfulfilled. What sets you apart from the rest, and how will you ensure that Edo State witnesses real change under your leadership?

A market woman in Auchi asked me this question when I first started, and I literally scratched my head trying to come up with an answer. I don’t believe in exceptionalism – I don’t think I’m better than you or indeed anyone else. I think perhaps what separates great leaders from their peers is simply having love for the people you serve. Most parents will naturally do everything within their power to end the suffering of their children. Any leader who recognises the duty of care they owe to the citizens will work to make their lives better. Transformational leadership across the world is always empathetic. That’s what I plan to be.

Has your experience in the private sector shaped your approach to politics? In what ways?

My training and career as a lawyer have taught me the sanctity of the rule of law—if you want to have a fair, just, and equitable society. That’s the approach I’ve brought into this chapter of my life, and it has served me well so far. You have to listen to all sides of the argument, and your word has to be your bond.

Your reputation is the most valuable currency you have in the private sector, and I’ve found the same applies in politics. Once people trust you, it’s easy to find common ground and make progress.

The private sector is often seen as a crucial engine for growth. In your view, what role should it play in Edo State’s development?

It’s easier if I tell you what role government should play. Government should be enabler of a conducive environment so businesses can thrive; and regulator of competition so citizens are not exploited. Government should be a social safety net so no citizen falls through the cracks; and must identify which goods are social goods that all citizens must have access to. If the Government articulates these positions clearly and establishes rules and guidelines that it must abide by, then the private sector will flourish. It truly isn’t rocket science.
Many grassroots voters might perceive you as part of the elite. How do you plan to bridge that gap and connect with them on a deeper level?

I personally haven’t found this to be true, or at least an impediment that prevents me from connecting with my people. I’ve travelled across all 18 local governments multiple times and interacted with all kinds of people. The conversations aren’t ever about which schools I attended or what cars I drive, but about our collective suffering as Nigerians and as Edo people and how we can end them collectively. As much as suffering might be a universal condition, in every community I’ve campaigned in hope is the universal language.

Looking at the broader picture, what’s your opinion on the current State of Nigerian politics? What do you believe needs to change?

It’s too expensive. The stakes appear higher now because for many people, politics is seen as the only reliable meal-ticket they have access to, as economic conditions worsen. In every campaign stop, I find young people who say they will not vote because, according to them, their votes won’t count. And it’s heartbreaking to see people so young give up on the democratic dream. I think we all owe them a responsibility to do better – to deliver better elections and to deliver better governance outcomes. If the next generation gives up on democracy, then what is the point?

Election rigging, “federal might,” and other electoral issues are ongoing concerns. How do you see these challenges playing out in the elections, and how do you plan to address them?

It goes to what I mentioned earlier about a lack of trust in our unique brand of democracy. We cannot have a situation where the Police go about arresting members from one political party in the dead of night and whisking them off to Abuja. This is unacceptable! Luckily, we’re so far ahead of that other party in the polls that there’s only so much they can do. Edo people are also cut from stiffer cloth – we say here “if you do anyhow, you see anyhow”. We’ve always defended our votes; and election results have always reflected the will of the people; regardless of the party in power at the center. I’m also confident that President Tinubu will not interfere in the process; I’ve known him for decades, as far back as our NADECO years.

I’m confident that Edo voters will decide who their next Governor will be. We’ve put in almost a year of hard work, so I’m confident that person will be me.

Do you truly believe you have what it takes to win this election? What fuels that confidence?

I’m a practicing member of the Anglican church, and I believe in the teachings that it is God who ultimately crowns leaders. I’ve prayed about this, and I’ve sold my message to the Edo people that I’m the person best positioned to tackle the problems bedevilling our State and best prepared to help improve their lives.

So that’s where my confidence flows from: my belief in God, and my belief in the ability of Edo people to distinguish between light and darkness.

Finally, if you could address the people of Edo State directly, what would you say to them right now? What message do you want to leave them with?

Just a message of thanks and gratitude. For allowing me into their homes and hearts; and for rekindling my faith in the indomitable nature of the Edo people. I’ve been humbled by the warmth and generosity of our people.

Consequential elections take place in a few days, so to all who want to move Edo State to the next level, please come out on Saturday to vote for me and for our vision of a prosperous Edo State where no one is left behind.

SOURCE: THISDAY STYLE