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Published on 2024-02-22 16:35:40
The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in allegations of irregularities and corrupt processes in the ongoing gubernatorial primaries. One of the aspirants, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has announced his decision to step down from the governorship race, citing these irregularities as the reason for his exit from the PDP governorship primaries.
Ogbeide-Ihama conveyed his decision in a letter dated February 12, 2024, directed to the party’s National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, and also shared with the National Working Committee of the PDP. In the letter, he disclosed that his decision to opt out of the contest was due to irregularities that marked the ward congress organized by the party in the state. He wrote, “The process was corrupted by the several irregularities that marked the ward congress organized by our party in the state. I and eight other aspirants voiced our dissatisfaction with the transparency of the process and the culpability of the committee that was sent to oversee the process. It was glaring that the process had been skewed to favor a particular aspirant unjustly.”
He stated that he and fellow party members presented evidence of rule violations to the appeal panels established to handle Congress-related concerns, but their efforts were persistently refused fair opportunities for aspirants and disregarded panel suggestions by the National Working Committee. This disregard for fairness and integrity led him to lose trust in the process, making it untenable for him to participate further. He further communicated that he has consulted with his family, key stakeholders, and supporters and has taken the hard, honorable, and logical decision to withdraw from the process of selecting a candidate for the 2024 Edo governorship elections, and would further communicate his subsequent actions if and when necessary.
This development has brought to light the sentiment of dissatisfaction and concerns expressed by Ogbeide-Ihama and other aspirants, indicating a deep divide within the PDP in Edo State with respect to the gubernatorial primaries. The primary elections are undergoing scrutiny for alleged malpractices and are witnessing a lack of trust from aspirants in the process and the integrity of the party’s National Working Committee.
The allegations of irregularities have raised questions about transparency, fairness, and integrity within the party, creating a tense atmosphere as the primary elections unfold. The ongoing developments have raised concerns about the party’s internal democracy and the ability to conduct free, fair, and credible primary elections.
It is noteworthy that increased security measures have been implemented at the PDP governorship primary election location, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. Drivers were denied access to the stadium road as the Edo State Traffic Management Authority thoroughly inspected each vehicle attempting to enter. Police officers were positioned along the road and at the stadium entrance to permit only individuals with legitimate reasons to enter.
Meanwhile, in the parallel primaries, Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor, won the PDP primaries in Edo State with a commanding lead of over 301 votes. The primaries took place on Thursday, February 22, indicating a divide within the party regarding the selection of a candidate for the 2024 Edo governorship elections. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s faction is hosting its primary at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The ongoing developments within the PDP in Edo State indicate deep-seated issues within the party regarding the primary elections, raising concerns about the party’s internal democracy and the ability to conduct free, fair, and credible primary elections. The allegations of irregularities made by Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and other aspirants have brought to light the sentiment of dissatisfaction and concerns within the party, creating a challenging environment to navigate as the primary elections unfold.
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