Edo PDP Crisis: Shaibu Joins Others In Boycotting Congress, Makinde Withdraws

Eko Hot Blog reports In a dramatic turn of events, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State conducted a delegate election for the upcoming governorship primary, marred by the conspicuous absence of nine out of the 11 PDP governorship aspirants.

Additionally, the chairman of the committee overseeing the Edo delegates election, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, withdrew from the process, injecting further uncertainty into the proceedings.

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Despite the boycott and withdrawal, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who is reportedly the deputy chairman of the electoral committee, commended the substantial turnout of party members.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed his regret over Makinde’s withdrawal but assured that it would not compromise the credibility of the exercise.

Obaseki stated, “It is unfortunate that Makinde withdrew. There are three governors, and he is only one of the three that withdrew, which does not remove the credibility of the process.”

The nine governorship aspirants, including Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, conveyed their dissatisfaction by boycotting the delegate election.

In a protest letter addressed to the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and copied to the National Vice Chairman South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, the aspirants raised concerns about the composition of the committee overseeing the election.

Speaking to party members at the George Idah Primary School, GRA, Benin, which served as the collation center for Ward 2, Governor Mbah emphasized the democratic principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

He urged party members to conduct themselves appropriately during the election. He stated, “This is democracy where our people come to exercise their franchise. We appreciate this turnout. Our party is known for the principles of fairness, equity and justice.”

In various wards, the delegate election proceeded under the supervision of alternative leaders. In Ward 7 at Ugbekun Primary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Dr. Major Itemowe led others to conduct the exercise, while in Oluku Ward, Kunle Koya from Lagos State took charge.

Governor Obaseki, speaking at his Ward 4 collation center, Idia College, dismissed concerns about the crisis, stating, “The crisis is hyped; it is not as fundamental as it is made to look. There is very little crisis, the crisis is fanned from outside and our people are smarter than that.”

 

He expressed optimism about the party’s unity and prospects in the main election, asserting that the large turnout showcased the continued strength of the PDP in Edo State.

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The withdrawal of Governor Makinde adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Edo State, signaling challenges within the PDP.

While discontent and divisions persist, Governor Obaseki remains undeterred, emphasizing that the party’s focus is on unification and collective efforts to play a significant role in the upcoming governorship election.

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