BY JOHN MAYAKI
In the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe, the message is the same: members of the Edo diaspora community are resolute that Asue Ighodalo should be the next governor of the state. This is unsurprising, given the candidate’s unassailable status as the most prepared in the race and his successful overseas campaign tour.
Guided by a results-based, strategic mindset forged through decades of managerial excellence in the private sector, Ighodalo focused on this influential community early in the race and made moves to secure their support with interactive town halls and other engagements where he presented his ideas.
In other Nigerian states, campaigning to the diaspora may raise eyebrows. Some may question the wisdom of it, given that diaspora members are unlikely to vote in the election. However, this is not the case in Edo, where contributions from the diaspora are a major economic driver.
Members of Edo state’s large diaspora community wield significant influence, serving as thought leaders in various circles and as the breadwinners of many communities at home. Their opinion on leadership matters greatly, and they appear to be backing Ighodalo.
There are many reasons for this support. Ighodalo’s impressive CV is one of them. Unlike his main opponent, who relies on rhetoric, Ighodalo has spearheaded numerous successful private investments in Nigeria, creating jobs for thousands and a value chain that has engaged and benefited millions more.
Ighodalo is convincing because he points to his achievements as proof of his capabilities. He has been tested on global stages and proven himself among international experts. This is in contrast to his opponent, who seems comfortable only among rent-seeking politicians.
When Ighodalo speaks, he exudes the leadership qualities associated with capable leaders driving development in the first-world countries where diasporans reside. Meanwhile, his main opponent appears as a lackluster political figure that Nigeria urgently needs to move away from to achieve growth levels akin to those in the first-world.
Where Ighodalo inspires confidence and demonstrates competence, his main opponent instills doubt and worry. This distinction is clear and undeniable. Even foreign stakeholders have recognized this. The European Union’s pre-election diplomatic delegation to Nigeria, alongside ECOWAS, had a productive engagement with Ighodalo at his campaign office in Benin. Imagining them in a similar conversation with Okpebolo would likely lead to disaster!
Calls for support are already being made, and donations are flowing into support groups. The Edo diaspora is mobilizing heavily for Asue Ighodalo. If this momentum continues as expected, victory and prosperity seem assured.
