Edo State PDP Delegate Election Marred by Resignation and Boycott

The internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State continues to escalate, with the Chairman of the three-man committee, Governor Seyi Makinde, stepping down from his role in conducting the party’s state delegate election.

In a surprising turn of events, nine out of the eleven aspirants slated to participate in the primary election scheduled for February 22 chose to boycott the election, which occurred across the state on Sunday. The protesting aspirants, including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and others, expressed dissatisfaction with the election process and the composition of the individuals tasked with overseeing the delegates’ election.

The aspirants submitted a formal petition to the acting National Chairman, Umar Illiya, and copied the National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, outlining their grievances.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reportedly the deputy chairman, was present in Edo State to oversee the primary. Despite the controversy, he acknowledged the significant turnout of party members at the George Idah Primary School, GRA, Benin, where the collation center for Ward 2 was located. He urged party members to conduct themselves responsibly during the election.

Meanwhile, in various wards, different individuals led the delegate election process, including Dr. Major Itemowe in Ward 7 at Ugbekun Primary School and Hon Kunle Koya from Lagos State in Oluku Ward.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, addressing journalists at his Ward 4 collation center, downplayed the impact of the party’s internal issues on the forthcoming governorship election. He emphasized the importance of the substantial turnout of over 600 participants at the delegate election, expressing confidence in the party’s resilience.

Regarding Governor Makinde’s resignation, Obaseki acknowledged it as unfortunate but stressed that the credibility of the election process remains intact, highlighting the significance of the quality of participation. He also addressed the nonparticipation of members of the Legacy Coalition, stating that the crisis is exaggerated and expressing confidence in the party’s strength during the main election.