The recent Congress of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) conducted in Edo State to select delegates for the upcoming governorship primary on February 22, was marked by controversy.
Out of the 11 PDP governorship aspirants, nine opted to boycott the exercise, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who chaired the three-man committee overseeing the Edo delegates election, withdrew from his position. However, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the deputy chairman of the committee, expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of party members for the delegates election.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki acknowledged Makinde’s withdrawal as unfortunate but emphasized that it would not undermine the credibility of the exercise, which saw a significant participation of party members. The nine governorship aspirants who boycotted the delegates election, namely Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Omosede Igbinedion, Dr. Earl Osaro Onaiwu, and Arthur Esene, lodged a protest letter to the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, with a copy sent to the National Vice Chairman South-South, Chief Dan Orbih. The aspirants raised concerns about the composition of the committee responsible for conducting the delegates election.
Governor Mbah, while addressing party members at the George Idah Primary School in Benin, the collation center for Ward 2, emphasized the importance of democratic principles and encouraged proper conduct during the election. In other wards such as Ward 7 at Ugbekun Primary School and Oluku Ward, delegates were appointed to oversee the process.
Governor Obaseki, speaking from his Ward 4 collation center at Idia College, downplayed the party’s internal crisis, stating that it was being exaggerated and would not impact the outcome of the governorship election. He also expressed disappointment over Makinde’s resignation but stressed that the credibility of the process was determined by the quality of participation. Obaseki remained optimistic about unifying the party and engaging all stakeholders in the political process.
In response to the developments in Edo, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed Governor Makinde’s resignation for personal reasons, but stated that they were not aware of any other individuals boycotting the congress. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrenwaju, claimed ignorance about his principal’s resignation.