The outgoing Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has reportedly clinched the gubernatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party in a parallel primary poll.
Our correspondent reports that Shaibu won with 301 votes.
With no fewer than 576 delegates were expected to decide the fate of the 10 aspirants at the primaries holding at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin
The 10 aspirants cleared to run were Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, former All Progressives Congress chairman Anselem Ojezua, former council chair Felix Akhabue, Sterling Bank ex-MD Asue Ighodalo, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Arthur Esene, former Reps member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Amb. Martin Uhumoibi, Osaro Onaiwu and Umoru Hadizat.
Zamfara’s Gov. Lawal Dauda Lawal chaired the electoral committee overseeing the contest. Delta’s Gov. Sheriff Oborevwhori was co-chairman.
Our correspondent gathered that the Obaseki-backed aspirant Dr Ighodalo was expected to win the official primary, as the delegates were selected in elections the other aspirants skipped.
While some aspirants mulled whether to attend, front-runner Ighodalo visited Hon. Igbinedion, who pledged loyalty as a party member despite last week’s delegate election concerns.
But Deputy Governor Shaibu has already claimed victory in the parallel PDP primary, likely setting up a clash within the party ahead of the gubernatorial election.
