In anticipation of the upcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully cleared ten aspirants to participate in the party’s primary election, set to take place on February 22. From this pool, one aspirant will emerge as the PDP’s candidate for the main election.
On the other hand, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated a significant sum of N650 million through the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to thirteen aspirants. Notably, the APC offered the Expression of Interest Form free of charge to female aspirants and those with disabilities, while the Nomination Form was priced at N40 million.
The PDP Screening Committee, led by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, conducted the screening process for the ten PDP aspirants at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja. Mutfwang assured the aspirants of the party’s commitment to fairness and emphasized their determination to win the Edo governorship poll.
Following the screening, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, announced that all ten aspirants have been cleared to contest in the primary election on February 22. Bature presented the Provisional Clearance Certificates to the aspirants, stating, “All 10 aspirants were cleared to contest.”
The PDP aspirants include Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing Igbinedion, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, among others.
Meanwhile, the APC successfully raised N650 million through the sale of forms before the deadline on January 29. The party’s primary election to select its flag bearer for the governorship race is scheduled for February 17. The APC had established an internal screening committee to manage the initial 29 aspirants, ultimately reducing the number to six, with two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts. However, some aspirants disagreed with the decision and purchased the forms independently.
As of the latest update, thirteen aspirants have purchased the forms at the APC national headquarters in Abuja. Among them are former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; two-term governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu; former Edo State Governor, Oserheimen Osunbor; and ex-Chairman of the APC Edo State, Dr. David Imuse, among others.
Both the PDP and APC are actively preparing for the Edo governorship election, aiming to secure victory and lead the state.