Renowned businessman Asue Ighodalo secured victory in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary for Edo State, surpassing other contenders including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
The election, held in Benin City, on Thursday, saw Ighodalo garnering 577 votes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the September 2024 election.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, serving as the Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee, declared Ighodalo, a financial and legal expert, as the winner of the primary.
“I, therefore, declare Asuelimen Ighodalo the winner of this concluded primary today with a total vote of 577. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” Governor Dauda who is the chief returning officer for the election said.
“Therefore, I hereby return him elected as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming election in Edo State. My brother, congratulations,” the governor flanked by his Delta State counterpart and co-chairman of the election committee Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said.
Shaibu polled just a vote in the election.
Ighodalo expressed humility and gratitude in his acceptance speech, thanking delegates, supporters, and the PDP for their endorsement.
He pledged to be a dedicated instrument for the state’s progress, building upon the foundation laid by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“I am actually, totally humbled,” Ighodalo said. “I thank the good people of Edo State. In the last four months, I have got to meet them more,” he added.
“I am only a tool in this process and I promise you all I will be a good tool. By the grace of God, Edo State will move from where Governor Obaseki stopped,” the lawyer who hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state said.
Ighodalo’s victory follows his entrance into the race a month prior, amidst earlier declarations within the party naming Shaibu as the gubernatorial candidate in a separate poll.
