Edo State's Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has issued a stark warning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning that the party faces dire consequences in the state if it fails to recognize him as its gubernatorial candidate.
While Asue Ighodalo clinched victory in the PDP primary held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Philip Shaibu emerged triumphant in a parallel election conducted at a different venue.
Addressing the situation on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Shaibu reiterated his claim as the authentic candidate for the September 21 election, emphasizing that Edo residents favor him over Ighodalo, whom he described as an outsider.
Shaibu stressed, “For the PDP, the best course of action is to avoid disputing my candidacy; failure to do so would cost the party Edo State. The people of Edo State reject Asue Ighodalo's candidacy because he lacks local roots and familiarity.”
He continued, “The electorate seeks a candidate they can connect with, someone tangible. PDP faces a pivotal moment, as the delegates have clearly expressed their preference for Shaibu. I am confident that the other eight aspirants would rally behind me if the party supports my candidacy.”
Shaibu cast doubt on the legitimacy of the primary that produced Ighodalo, alleging that it was orchestrated by the state party leadership rather than the national executive, which he believes would have ensured a fair process.
He asserted that his election was endorsed by genuine party delegates in the state, emphasizing the importance of determining the authenticity of the voters in the coming days.
Furthermore, Shaibu hinted at strained relations with Governor Godwin Obaseki, hinting that his gubernatorial aspirations might be a contributing factor to the rift.
On the other hand, Ighodalo, undeterred by Shaibu's emergence as a parallel candidate, expressed confidence in the legality of his victory, underscoring his adherence to due process.
“We adhered to the proper procedures. I am not perturbed by Philip Shaibu's emergence as a parallel candidate,” Ighodalo remarked during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today following his confirmation as the primary winner.
He added, “The National Working Committee (NWC) followed all legal protocols. Despite disagreements, due process was observed. Disapproval from certain quarters does not invalidate the legitimacy of the process.”
Ighodalo, a financial expert, emerged victorious over nine other contenders to secure the PDP candidacy for the September 24 election in the South-South state.
While Asue Ighodalo clinched victory in the PDP primary held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Philip Shaibu emerged triumphant in a parallel election conducted at a different venue.
Addressing the situation on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Shaibu reiterated his claim as the authentic candidate for the September 21 election, emphasizing that Edo residents favor him over Ighodalo, whom he described as an outsider.
Shaibu stressed, “For the PDP, the best course of action is to avoid disputing my candidacy; failure to do so would cost the party Edo State. The people of Edo State reject Asue Ighodalo's candidacy because he lacks local roots and familiarity.”
He continued, “The electorate seeks a candidate they can connect with, someone tangible. PDP faces a pivotal moment, as the delegates have clearly expressed their preference for Shaibu. I am confident that the other eight aspirants would rally behind me if the party supports my candidacy.”
Shaibu cast doubt on the legitimacy of the primary that produced Ighodalo, alleging that it was orchestrated by the state party leadership rather than the national executive, which he believes would have ensured a fair process.
He asserted that his election was endorsed by genuine party delegates in the state, emphasizing the importance of determining the authenticity of the voters in the coming days.
Furthermore, Shaibu hinted at strained relations with Governor Godwin Obaseki, hinting that his gubernatorial aspirations might be a contributing factor to the rift.
On the other hand, Ighodalo, undeterred by Shaibu's emergence as a parallel candidate, expressed confidence in the legality of his victory, underscoring his adherence to due process.
“We adhered to the proper procedures. I am not perturbed by Philip Shaibu's emergence as a parallel candidate,” Ighodalo remarked during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today following his confirmation as the primary winner.
He added, “The National Working Committee (NWC) followed all legal protocols. Despite disagreements, due process was observed. Disapproval from certain quarters does not invalidate the legitimacy of the process.”
Ighodalo, a financial expert, emerged victorious over nine other contenders to secure the PDP candidacy for the September 24 election in the South-South state.
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Nigerian Politics