In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, emerged as the winner. The election took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where Ighodalo secured 577 votes, while his closest rival, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, garnered one vote. The primary was seen as an endorsement of Ighodalo, who is supported by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Notably, Deputy Governor Shaibu held a parallel primary elsewhere and was declared the parallel winner, claiming 300 votes. The primary at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was considered more of an adoption of Ighodalo, backed by Governor Obaseki.
Among the 10 aspirants who contested for the PDP ticket, some withdrew from the race, including Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Omosede Igbinedion. Others in the race included Arthur Esele, Anselm Ojezua, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, Felix Akhabue, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
Ighodalo, in his acceptance speech, thanked Obaseki and the people of Edo State for their support. He pledged to build on the foundation laid by Obaseki and assemble a team to turn the state around, particularly focusing on engaging young men and women.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Shaibu organized a parallel election, alleging irregularities, including the presence of names from Bayelsa and members of the All Progressives Congress in the delegate list. He was declared the winner of the parallel election with 301 votes. Gunmen later invaded the venue, causing chaos and shooting sporadically into the air. Shaibu urged his supporters to remain peaceful and assured them that he would take their protest to the committee in charge.
The PDP primary in Edo State is a significant development in the lead-up to the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
