The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has stated that the court’s decision will ultimately determine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This follows the issuance of a Certificate of Return by the PDP National Working Committee on Tuesday to Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the Edo governorship election.
The PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, led the committee in making this decision.
The emergence of two contenders, Shaibu and Ighodalo, as gubernatorial candidates for the 2024 Edo elections under the PDP banner resulted from simultaneous primaries held on February 22, 2023.
Shaibu secured victory with 301 votes, while Ighodalo won a separate primary at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with 577 votes.
However, the issuance of the Certificate of Return to Ighodalo has heightened tensions within the party, with Shaibu expressing confidence that the court’s decision will play a crucial role in determining the rightful candidate.
In an interview with Punch on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said that efforts are ongoing to reconcile aggrieved party members following the primary.
He said the party is committed to reconciliation, recognising its importance in achieving success in Edo State and addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
Clarifying his purpose for visiting the PDP National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Wednesday, Shaibu stated, “Today is the day set aside for the collection of the certificate of return for the winner of the primary. I understand someone came yesterday and was given; well, the court will decide.”