An Edo State governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun, has stepped down from the race.

The member of the House of Representatives, representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency has, therefore, declared support for Asue Ighodalo, former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, and said to be incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki’s anointed.

Although absent at the screening of aspirants on Saturday due to the funeral ceremony of his grandfather, Pa Iregbeyen Onobun, he announced his withdrawal from the race in a letter he personally signed.

Mr Onobun, in the letter, said, “I have done consultation across the State, and in the Spirit of sportsmanship and respect for our leaders, I wish to suspend my aspiration for Edo 2024 Governorship and support my brother, Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

“It is my desire to see an Esan man become Edo Governor in 2024. And I pledge my Commitment to take a front seat in this Struggle. God bless my leader and the Edo Central Special Committee,” he added.

In the same vein, Senator Clifford Ordia, the immediate past Senator representing Edo Central senatorial district, also announced that he has given up on his governorship ambition for Mr Ighodalo.

Friday Itulah and Kenneth Ahbulimen, are other aspirants of the party who had earlier in the week, stepped down, and declared support for Mr Ighodalo.

Mr Ighodalo is said to have already got endorsements by other aspirants and groups, further brightening his chances of becoming the party’s most preferred to pick the governorship ticket.

Mr Ighodalo is expected to officially flag off his campaign on January 12, 2024.