The Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, screened Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; former Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo, and former House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, in preparation for the February 22 Edo State Governorship primary election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed September 21, 2024, for the Edo State governorship election.
Additional aspirants who underwent screening were Felix Akhabue, the former chairman of Esan West Local Government Area; Ojezua, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State; Omosede Igbinedion, a former member of the House of Representatives; along with Arthur Esene, Prof Martin Uhomoibh, and Osaro Onaiwu.
The screening panel’s Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, while addressing aspirants in Abuja, on Monday reassured aspirants that the party will ensure fairness for all contestants and emphasized the PDP’s commitment to winning the governorship poll.
Mutfwang advised the governorship aspirants to keep in mind that only one of them would ultimately become the opposition party’s candidate.
“I want to assure you that we will give all the support we can to ensure that PDP retains Edo State. Ultimately it is only one person that will emerge. If we believe that it is God that gives power, then it is not today neither is it on the election day that God is going to determine who will govern. He has already determined.
“But we as humans don’t yet know, that is why these processes are ongoing. We appreciate the concerns that you have expressed, putting in place a level playing field, we are going to be strong advocates of that..And ensure that at the end of the day, we have a process that is transparent, a process that is fair. I am a beneficiary of that process. That when all is said and done, we will still work together as one big family, ” the governor stated.
Addressing reporters, Onaiwu emphasized the significance of the PDP implementing a reward system for dedicated party members to enhance the opposition party’s prospects in the upcoming poll.
He said, “Winning Edo is a priority to the party, winning Edo is a must-win for PDP, we cannot allow Edo to slip to the hands of the APC. I have told everyone to drop their ego and support whoever emerges as the PDP candidate for Edo State as long as the process is free, fair, and transparent.”
