By Bisi Exekiel
BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: In a tightly contested primary election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a seasoned lawyer and former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, clinched the governorship ticket for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the September 2024 Edo State Governorship election. Ighodalo secured 577 out of the 585 accredited votes, reaffirming his position as a formidable contender.
The primary, approved by the national leadership of the PDP, saw Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, garnering only one vote, while Anselm Ojezua, another top contender, failed to secure any votes.
Notably, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and former House of Representatives member, Omosede Igbinedion, withdrew from the race, throwing their support behind Ighodalo. Other aspirants, including Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, Dr. Earl Onaiwu, and Arthur Esene, failed to amass any votes, with the election recording six void votes.
The declaration of Ighodalo as the winner was made by the Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee and Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, alongside Co-Chairman and Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori. Lawal, invoking the powers vested in him by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, formally announced Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election in the State.
In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo expressed gratitude to the delegates, leaders, and members of the PDP for their trust in him. He pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to uplift the fortunes of Edo State, promising to steer the State towards prosperity and greatness if elected.
Acknowledging the groundwork laid by Governor Godwin Obaseki, Ighodalo lauded his predecessor’s efforts and vowed to build upon his achievements. Emphasizing the importance of party unity, he stressed the need for a cohesive front to secure victory in the forthcoming elections and continue the impactful work initiated by the PDP in the State.
Earlier, Governor Obaseki highlighted the significance of selecting the right leadership amidst Nigeria’s challenges. He underscored the PDP’s suitability for governing the country, commending the adherence to party rules during the selection process.
As the countdown to the September election begins, all eyes are on Ighodalo and the PDP, as they aim to secure a mandate to lead Edo State into a new era of progress and development.
