Barrister Asue Ighodalo has been returned as the winner of the Edo State governorship primaries of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) conducted today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
At another venue, Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu was declared the party candidate in a parallel primary conducted by his faction of PDP.
The parallel governorship primary was reportedly held at Shaibu’s residence in Benin.
Bartholomew Moses, the Returning Officer, said the Deputy Governor won the exercise with over 300 votes.
Ighodalo, with 577 votes beat his absent but closest runner-up, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, as well as Anslem Ojezua, Mr Felix Akhabue, Mr Martin Uhomoibhi, Hajia Hadizat Umoru, Mr Osaro Onaiwu and Mr Arthur Esene to win the ticket of the PDP for the off-season September 2024 governorship election.
Spotting a heavy presence of police and other security operatives, the primaries held under the supervision of representatives of the party’s National Working Committee NWC and monitored by INEC officials.
It held at the Samuel Ogbomudia Stadium’s lawn tennis court.
Two aspirants, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Rt. Hon. Ogbeide Ihama announced their withdrawal from the contest before voting commenced.
As announced after counting by the Electoral Committee, the results are:
Anslem Ojezua 0
Felix Akhabue 0
Philip Shuabu. 1
Amb. Martins. 0
Barr. Esene. 0
Asue. Ighodalo 577
Omosede. Withdrew
Ogbeide Ihama. Withdrew
Void votes. 6
It was observed that the Chairman of Edo State PDP, Dan Orbih and other critical stakeholders of the party were missing at the PDP primary where Ighodalo emerged as the party’s candidate.
