The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, made a dramatic appearance at the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party, demanding his certificate of return as the winner of the party’s primary for the Edo State governorship election.

Shaibu, accompanied by supporters, emphasized the designated day for collecting the certificate and addressed the situation regarding another candidate receiving the certificate a day earlier.

He stated, “Today is the day set aside for the collection of the certificate of return for the winner of the primary. I understand someone came yesterday and was given; well, the court will decide…”

Meanwhile, the PDP in Edo State witnessed a complex situation where two candidates, Philip Shaibu and Asue Ighodalo, emerged as contenders for the 2024 Edo governorship election after parallel primaries on February 22, 2023.

Shaibu, declared the winner with 301 votes in a primary held at Samuel Ogbemudia, was contested by Ighodalo, who won with 577 votes in another primary held at a different location. The conflicting results led to a contentious situation within the party.

The group declaring Shaibu’s victory accused the governorship primary committee, led by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, of irregularities. They claimed that security personnel escorted them out during accreditation, and they observed discrepancies in the delegate list.

Bartholomew Moses, declaring Shaibu the winner, said, “During the counting of this primary election, Philip Shaibu has a score of 301 votes, and therefore, we hereby declare Philip Shaibu as the authentic elected candidate for this election in the PDP.”

On the contrary, Governor Lawal, leading the primary committee, announced that Asue Ighodalo scored 577 votes, while Shaibu received one vote. He mentioned other candidates with zero votes and two withdrawals from the race.

The conflicting outcomes have created uncertainty within the party, with both factions standing firm on their declared candidate. The situation is expected to be resolved through legal channels.