Edo PDP crisis deepens as Obaseki’s favourite, Asue Ighodalo wins parallel guber primary
By Emma Ogbuehi
Crisis in Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a more frightening dimension on Thursday, as renowned businessman and erstwhile chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Asue Ighodalo was announced winner of a factional governorship primary of the party.
The development comes as Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, emerged winner in a rival primary.
Ighodalo, a Lagos based lawyer, is believed to enjoy the backing of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who has been on a warpath with his deputy, Philip Shaibu over his successor.
Ighodalo beat other aspirants including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu in the election held in Benin City on Thursday.
READ ALSO:
BREAKING: Philip Shaibu wins Edo PDP factional gov primary
In the exercise at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the Edo State capital, Ighodalo polled 577 votes to emerge as the state ruling party’s governorship candidate for the September 2024 election.
The Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State declared the financial and legal expert as the winner of the exercise.
“I, therefore, declare Asuelimen Ighodalo the winner of this concluded primary today with a total vote of 577. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” Governor Dauda who is the chief returning officer for the election said.
“Therefore, I hereby return him elected as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming election in Edo State. My brother, congratulations,” the governor flanked by his Delta State counterpart and co-chairman of the election committee Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said. Shaibu polled just a vote in the election.
In another parallel primary, Shaibu was announced winner of a governorship primary conducted by a faction of the Party.
Shaibu is said to have won the Thursday contest with over 301 votes. It was not immediately clear if other candidates contested alongside him.
