From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s annoitee, Asue Ighodalo and the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, emerged governorship candidates of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While Ighodalo emerged winner in primary held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia with 577 votes, Shaibu was declared winner by Mr. Bartholomew Moses, the Returning Officer, from another parallel primary election conducted at the deputy governor’s lodge, located on the Commercial Avenue, Benin City.

The Chief Returning Officer for the election and Electoral Committee Chairman, Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, said Ighodalo emerged winner of the primary with 577 votes.

He said other aspirants in the election which included Arthur Esele, Anselm Ojezua, Omosede Igbinedion, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru, Felix Akhabue and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama scored zero vote while Shaibu polled one vote.

“I hereby declare Ighodalo as the winner with 577 votes and returned PDP candidates for the September 21 governorship election on Edo State.”

In his acceptance speech, Igohodalo promised to work for the good of the people and the state.

According to him, Gov Godwin Obaseki has laid the good foundation for him to build on if elected governor.

He said he would assemble young men and women to turn the state around if eventually elected.

A total of 10 aspirants had contested for the ticket, but seven presented themselves for the primary, while three stayed away.

One of the aspirants. Omosede Igbinedion, during the primary, stepped down and directed his supporters to vote for Ighodalo.

But, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama had earlier withdrawn from the election, citing irregularities in the ward congress and local government congress.

Meanwhile, Shaibu and his supporters held their parallel primary at the deputy governor’s lodge located on the Commercial Avenue, during which he was elected candidate of the party.

Announcing the results of the parallel primary after collation, Moses declared that Shaibu won with an overwhelming majority of over 3,000 votes.

It was gathered that Shaibu’s supporters led by Festus Owu moved to the deputy governor’s lodge after they were denied access into the Samuel Ognemudia Stadium venue.