Businessman Asue Ighodalo emerged as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election held in Benin City, Edo State. He secured a total of 577 votes, defeating about nine other candidates, including the Deputy Governor of the state.
The Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, declared Ighodalo as the winner of the exercise.
A total of 10 aspirants initially contested for the PDP ticket, but some, including Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Barrister Omosede Igbinedion, withdrew from the race. Other aspirants included Arthur Esele, Anselm Ojezua, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, Felix Akhabue, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo expressed gratitude to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the people of Edo State for their support.
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He acknowledged Governor Obaseki’s foundation and pledged to assemble capable young men and women to turn the state’s fortunes around if elected governor.
Meanwhile, while some delegates were being accredited at Edo Hotel Marquee to proceed to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium venue of the primary election, another set of delegates met elsewhere and announced Philip Shaibu as the candidate of the PDP.
They claimed to have been disenfranchised and alleged irregularities in the accreditation process.
The situation escalated when gunmen invaded the venue where the delegates had gathered, shooting indiscriminately.
Despite the chaos, Shaibu urged the protesting delegates to remain peaceful and assured them that their votes would count. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and ensuring that the authentic delegates’ voices were heard.
