Edo Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo has refuted claims that he instigated or financed the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
He was responding to a statement made over the weekend by Shaibu, who accused him of being behind his impeachment by the Edo Assembly.
In a statement on Monday by His media office, Ighodalo said: “While we would not usually join issues in response to every passing comment, it has become imperative to address the recent spurious allegations by former Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu.
“It is necessary for the record, to state in no uncertain terms, that Mr. Asue Ighodalo has had no role or involvement in any form whatsoever in the very public process leading to Mr. Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office by the Edo State House of Assembly.
“These claims are completely without merit, and Mr. Ighodalo categorically denies any such involvement. These allegations are a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.
“We urge the public and the media to regard these false statements with well deserved skepticism.
“Asue Ighodalo remains focused on running a governorship campaign based on issues, and devoid of distractions.”