Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The Edo All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party campaign strategies starkly contrast each other in their approaches to sell their gubernatorial candidates to the voters.
The ruling PDP seized an early advantage from the start of its campaign by presenting its gubernatorial candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, as the quintessential candidate for the job.
The catchphrase ‘man wey sabi”, invented by the PDP Campaign Council has gained currency among the public.
In preparation for the full-fledged launch of its campaign, the opposition APC had to devise a counter-phrase to that of the ruling PDP.
Announcing the commencement of its state-wide campaign to promote its gubernatorial candidate, Sen Monday Okpevbolo, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the media consultant to the APC Campaign Council, addressed the media and unveiled the party’s plans to vigorously campaign for votes across every corner of the state.
Prince Afegbua also disclosed that the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Sen Monday Okpevbolo, would be portrayed as the “Man wey we sabi,” directly contrasting the PDP’s slogan.
Explaining the motivation behind adopting the “Man wey we sabi” slogan, Prince Afegbua emphasised that Sen Okpevbolo is a grassroots person, a true Edo indigene, unlike the PDP candidate, who is depicted as a city-dweller.
He further stated that the APC Campaign Council aims to be innovative and straightforward in its campaign tactics, intending to highlight the clear distinctions between the APC gubernatorial candidate and that of the PDP to help the potential voters reach an easy decision about whom to vote for on the election day
He described Sen Okpevbolo as someone who lives among the people, shares in their challenges, successes, and aspirations, and is prepared and eager to lead in elevating Edo State’s status as a great place to live, work, and prosper.
Prince Afegbua further described Sen Okpevbolo as a “doer and not a talker or noisemaker like the rest of the pack.”
He added that the Senator can easily point at notable accomplishments to show for his selfless service to the state and community, including being a philanthropist, cosmopolitan Edolite, the consummate businessman, and employer of labour, adding that his critical interventions in various sectors of the Edo economy are well documented, especially in his Edo Central District.
Bar Asue Ighodalo, on the other hand, is positioned as the “Man wey sabi”, highlighting his deep corporate and public expertise and economic acumen.
In summary, Ighodalo’s academic background and experience in serving in the state’s economic management team during two different administrations, make him stand out among his co-contenders for the plum job.
The Edo electorate faces a challenging choice in September. They must decide between voting for a homeboy or a city dweller, each with the potential to make a significant difference in their lives.
Sen Okpevbolo of the APC is a true homeboy, but the question remains: “does he have what it takes to effectively lead the state and bring about prosperity?”
Bar Ighodalo, on the other hand, is a true son of the soil. Despite spending most of his growing-up years in the city, there’s no denying that he has the qualities to lead and make a positive impact.
