PDP Elects Shaibu, Ighodalo as Edo State Governorship Candidates

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected two candidates to represent the party in the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.

Philip Shaibu, the incumbent deputy governor of the state, and Asue Ighodalo emerged as the party’s candidates in parallel governorship primaries held in Benin City.

Shaibu was declared the winner of one primary with 300 votes, while Ighodalo emerged victorious in another primary held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with 577 votes.

The governorship primary committee, led by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, stated that 594 delegates were elected to participate in the primary, with 585 delegates accredited to vote.

Announcing the final votes, Lawal, who served as the Chief Returning Officer for the governorship primary, declared Asue Ighodalo as having scored 577 votes, while Philip Shaibu received one vote.

Other aspirants, including Anselm Ojezua, Osaro Onaiwu, Felix Akhabue, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, and Arthur Esele, scored zero votes. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race.

Six votes were voided.

In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo promised to build on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievements and to work for the development of the state, promising to include both the young and old in his administration if elected.

He called for unity among party members and Edo State residents to ensure victory in the upcoming election, acknowledging that no man is perfect but expressing his commitment to tirelessly correct mistakes for the betterment of the state.