…Edo Central adopts Ighodalo as consensus gov’ship aspirant

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Asue Ighodalo, Felix ‘Joefel’ Akhabue and Anselm Ojezua have obtained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Expression of Interest form for the party’s governorship primary scheduled for February 22.

Shaibu’s form was obtained on his behalf by the forum of past leaders of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by Godwin Maliga, at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, yesterday.

Ms Omosede Igbinedion had earlier obtained her form on Wednesday.

Maliga, while addressing journalists, after obtaining the form for the deputy governor, stated that Shaibu was the most competent person to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki. He expressed confidence that the deputy governor would clinch the PDP ticket, not minding the odds against him.

“I think it is the turn of the people to decide who will be the governor of Edo State. I am confident that with what Philip Shaibu is made of, once he gets the ticket of PDP, the people will elect him as the governor of Edo state. We believe that the primary is for the party. If the primary is going to be held today, we are confident that the delegates, who are party members will pick our candidate

“A lot of people are shouting zoning but you can’t go to equity without clean hands. What we are doing here today is for PDP. PDP has never given its governorship ticket to anybody from Edo North, go and check the history. If you go to Edo Central, they have had the ticket of the PDP over and over and in most cases, they lose the election.”

Similarly, Ighadolo, who is believed to enjoy the support of Obaseki, told journalists that he stands a better chance to win the party ticket because he has been involved in service to the state directly since 2008.

“What I am bringing to the table is definitive focus. I see a path that will move Edo State from where it is to the first world economy. I see a path that will take our children all into school, to provide health services, remove our people from poverty, provide water, provide electricity, provide security, work with other people and work with our team, working with the Federal Government and working with other states.

Akabhue. former council chairman and commissioner, expressed confidence that he would not only win the PDP ticket, but also win the main election for the party.

“I want to assure you that my people know me and I know my people. To me, it is not a do-or-die affair. I have presented myself, I am ready, I am contesting the election and I want to believe that I am the candidate to beat. I will get the ticket by God’s grace.”

Meanwhile, the PDP in Edo Central senatorial district has endorsed Dr. Ighodalo, as its sole aspirant.

The decision was contained in a statement by the Senatorial Caucus in Uromi, of Esan North-East Local Government Area, following the official presentation of the Edo Central PDP special committee report, headed by the national leader, Chief Tom Ikimi.

The statement jointly signed by Archbishop Anthony Okosun, the Caucus chairman and two others, explained that the adoption of Ighodalo was without prejudice to the right of any other aspirant to pursue his/her aspiration for the election.

“The Senatorial Caucus applauded the members of the special committee for the diligence and transparency they applied in carrying out their assignment.

“The Senatorial Caucus accepted the recommendation of the special committee and adopted Asue Ighodalo as the consensus aspirant of the PDP from Edo Central Senatorial District.

“The Senatorial Caucus noted that the adoption of Ighodalo is without prejudice to the right of any other aspirant to pursue his or her aspiration.

“The Senatorial Caucus mandated the special committee to lead Ighodalo and introduce him to all stakeholders in the state as the consensus aspirant of the Edo Central PDP,” the statement said.