Two candidates have emerged in the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governorship Primary. While the Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu first claimed victory in a parallel Primary with about 301 votes, in another Primary election, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki’s annoited candidate, Asue Ighodalo was declared winner, and so the Candidate.
Ighodalo, an investment banker, former Chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, polled 577 votes to beat other seven contestants.
The exercise was held at the Samuel 0gbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
In the exercise, which outcome was predictable, Ighodalo, who enjoys the backing of the State Government, the party, both in the State and National levels as well as groundswell of support by Edo people across the three senatorial zones, practically ran against himself for the party ticket.
Two formidable aspirants, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Ogbeide Ihama had earlier withdrawn from the contest before voting by the delegates started.
Amb. Martins U- 0
Barr. Esene- 0
Asue. Ighodalo- 577
The Primary in which Shuaibu earlier declared himself was a parallel election organized by his supporters. It is not known if the Primary was, also, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
 Governorship Primary. While the Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu first claimed victory in a parallel Primary with about 301 votes, in another Primary election, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki's annoited candidate, Asue Ighodalo was declared winner, and so the Candidate.){kind=link}