By Daniel Edu

In a significant development, Asue Ighodalo, the former Chairman of Sterling Bank, has formally declared his intention to run in the Edo State Governorship Election. Making the announcement, Ighodalo confirmed his bid for the gubernatorial primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled September 21 as the date for the governorship election.

Ighodalo, a lawyer and former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, is reportedly supported by the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, who has completed his constitutional two-term limit. Ighodalo hails from Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo Central District, a region that Governor Obaseki envisions as the new seat of power.

The governorship aspirant, in partnership with Femi Olubanwo, established the law firm of Banwo-and-Ighodalo, a corporate and commercial law practice in Nigeria specializing in advising major corporations on Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Energy & Natural Resources, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Securitization, and Project Finance. Ighodalo has also served as the Director of NSIA (Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority) and Chairman of NESG (Nigerian Economic Summit Group).