From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo North Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Leaders’ Forum has faulted the endorsement of Asue Ighodalo’s governorship ambition by Edo North Leaders and Elders’ Forum.

Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, had declared the endorsement null and void and of no effect, saying it was a slight on his person and office.

The Forum, which comprises senatorial officers and local government chairmen, and leaders in the six local government areas of the North senatorial district, in a statement said: “We note with grave sadness and total disgust, the purported Fugar endorsement of Ighodalo, an aspirant for the office of governor of Edo State.

“The entire process and pronouncement is in absolute variance with the principles of democracy and a free, fair and level playing field for all bonafide PDP members who meet the criteria to run for office.

“In the 25 years of our democracy, the party has moved away from such draconian and illegal means of foisting aspirants on the people.

“It was, therefore, a disgrace to watch the pathetic drama that played out in Fugar by a bunch of inconsequential politicians who amused their audience with the said adoption at the meeting.

“Needless to say the conveners of that gathering had no locus standi to parade themselves as custodians, judge and jury over the party candidate in February 2024.

“It begs the question, what legacy will this group of men involved with this dishonest and unlawful act bequeath to the younger generation of PDP faithful in Edo North?

“The Edo North Leaders’ Forum hereby states unequivocally, that all party aspirants for the office of governor (whether from the North, South or Central districts of the state) will be given free, fair and level playing field to actualise their ambition in accordance with the party guidelines and constitution.

“We urge party members to beware of this deceit and be on full alert of the nefarious activities of these people.

“It is pertinent to note that we reject in absolute terms the so-called endorsement of Ighodalo in Edo North.” 

Spokesman of the Edo North Leaders and Elders’ Forum that endorsed Ighodalo, Solomon Taiwo, however, defended the action of the group, saying it did not preclude other aspirants from contesting the governorship.

“How can they describe the gathering of the former chief of staff to the president and former deputy governor, former senator, former member of House Representatives and other bigwigs of the party who attended that meeting as inconsequential? The meeting does not foreclose other aspirants coming around, if we receive Ighodalo and he spoke in an impressive manner upon which we threw our endorsement because we believe we cannot see any other person that can match him, that is our opinion. Condemning it with such words is uncalled for,” he said.