- Asue Ighodalo asserts his victory in the Edo State PDP gubernatorial primary, standing firm against opposition amid controversy
- Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu contests the primary outcome, warning of potential PDP defeat in the governorship election if unacknowledged
Asue Ighodalo, a businessman and lawyer, asserts himself as the rightful victor of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primary, declaring his fearlessness against any opposition.
Declared the winner by the primary election committee’s Chairman, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Ighodalo stands firm amidst controversy.
However, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, contests the outcome, alleging irregularities and claiming victory in the parallel primary endorsed by his faction and the state executive committee of the PDP.
Shaibu warns of potential defeat for the PDP in the governorship election if his candidacy isn’t acknowledged, citing substantial support from party members and the populace.
In response, Ighodalo, in a conversation with Channels Television, affirms his triumph in the primary held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, securing 577 votes against nine rivals, including Shaibu.
He emphasizes adherence to the process endorsed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, chaired by Governor Dauda Lawal, and asserts ignorance of any rival candidacy until broadcasted.
“I didn’t even know that another candidate had emerged until I was listening to the trailer of this programme,” says Ighodalo, underscoring adherence to due process and election guidelines.
The crisis within the Edo PDP highlights concerns over party unity and stability ahead of the impending governorship election against the All Progressives Congress (APC).