The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted a separate Congress on Thursday, resulting in the nomination of the state’s deputy governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, as their candidate.
While some delegates were undergoing accreditation at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, another group convened at a facility on Commercial Avenue and declared Shaibu as the chosen candidate.
They alleged being prevented from accreditation at the primary venue by security personnel and contested the authenticity of the delegate list provided by the national party leadership, citing the inclusion of individuals from Bayelsa state and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bartholomew Moses, announcing Shaibu as the winner with 301 votes, declared him the legitimate candidate for the election within the PDP. Shortly after this declaration, armed individuals, appearing in vigilante attire and arriving in several vehicles including unmarked Toyota Hiace Trucks and a white Hilux, disrupted the proceedings by firing shots into the air, causing chaos as attendees dispersed for safety.
Prior to the Congress, delegates led by Festus Owu had protested to the deputy governor, claiming disenfranchisement. In response, Shaibu urged calm, assuring them of their rightful place as authentic delegates and pledging to address their concerns with the appropriate committee.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Shaibu acknowledged the protests and affirmed his commitment to ensuring a fair election. He emphasized the importance of legitimacy in the delegate list and expressed confidence that any victory obtained through authentic delegates would withstand scrutiny.
