Politics
Edo guber: Ighodalo wins PDP ticket with 577 votes
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Foremost lawyer and investment banker, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State.
He defeated eight other aspirants in a peaceful but security-tight primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
One of the aspirants, Omosede Igbinedion, stepped down for him on the election ground “for the interest of the party.”
Also, immediate past House of Representatives member, representing Oredo federal constituency, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, stepped down from the race.
Ighodalo, who is believed to be Governor Obaseki’s preferred aspirant, scored 577 votes to beat Mr Anselm Ojezua, Arthur Esele, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru and Felix Akhabue, all scoring zero vote, while six votes were voided out of the 585 accredited delegates.
The Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who had earlier emerged a factional candidate in a parallel governorship primary election, scored one vote.
Ighodalo was declared winner of the primary election by the Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee and Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and the Co-Chairman and Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori.
Lawal declared: “The committee having carefully sorted out and counted the votes found that Ighodalo scored 577 votes, Philip Shaibu scored one vote, while others got zero. By the powers vested in me by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP, pursuant to the Constitution of our great party, the PDP, as the Chief Returning Officer of the 2024 Edo PDP Primary Election, I hereby declare Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the just concluded primary election with a total vote of 577.
“Therefore, I hereby return the elected as the PDP candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.”
Ighodalo extends hand of fellowship, promises inclusiveness
In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo thanked Governor Obaseki and the people of Edo State for their love and support noting that the governor has laid the foundation for him to build upon, if elected. He promised to assemble young men and women for his government to turn the state around.
“I want to thank you for making me a tool, and I promise you that I will be a useful tool and by the grace of God, Edo State will move from where Godwin Obaseki has carried us, to the next level. I want to thank Godwin Obaseki for the wonderful work he has done in the last seven and half years. I know that in a year or two people will keep talking about Obaseki.
“We have not seen the value of the work he has done, but he is like a builder laying the foundation for a 100-storey building. No man is perfect,we will all continue to repair and work on each other’s mistakes. I thank him and his wife for supporting him tremendously and giving him the strength to go through the vicissitudes of the last seven years. I promise to assemble the best young men and women to turn the state around.”
Ighodalo, while commending the delegates, leaders and members of the PDP for the confidence reposed in him, promised to work with all stakeholders to transform the fortunes of Edo people and lead the state on the path of prosperity and greatness, if elected.
He said: “I promise all the good people of Edo State; those in Edo State, in Nigeria, and in the Diaspora that I will work tirelessly for our state. I will assemble our best hands to move our State to the next level and I promise you all that I will give you my all.”
Reiterating the need for a united party to win the September 21, 2024 election in the state, Ighodalo said it is only with a formidable and united front that the PDP can excel and succeed in the mission of retaining its seat at Osadebey Avenue and consolidating on the impactful work the party has started in the state.
We can’t afford to get it wrong in Edo — Obaseki
Earlier, while welcoming guests to the primary election, Godwin Obaseki,said: “Today, we are going through an exercise that has been stipulated by our party. Even though it’s statutory, the exercise will be life-changing because Nigeria is going through difficult times and we can only overcome the challenges we are facing as a country with the right leadership.
“If we in Edo do not begin to show the right leadership that will begin to reset Nigeria, God forbid, we may all be in trouble. PDP is the only party that has what it takes to rule this country. Again, we are showing the example in the way we are conducting our leadership selection process.
“We are following our rules very assiduously; my role as a host governor is to welcome all of you who are here, starting with our members who elected the delegates that are carrying out this exercise today. Thanks to members of the State and National Working Committee of our great party, the PDP for being steadfast in the rules. I also thank all the aspirants for exercising the spirits of sportsmanship.”
The election attracted the who is who in the PDP in the state including former governor Lucky Igbinedion; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi; Speaker of Edo State House of assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Osarodion Ogie, who is being touted to be the running mate to Ighodalo; former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie; Owere Dickson Imasogie; council chairmen from the 18 LGAs; and members of the state executive council, among others.
However, conspicuously missing were members of the Legacy Coalition group of the PDP led by the Vice Chairman, South-South of the party, Dan Orbih; a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the party, Charles Idahosa; and many members of the State Working Committee, SWC.
Gunshots as Shaibu emerges as candidate in a PDP parallel primary
Meanwhile, some members of the PDP held a parallel primary that produced Philip Shaibu as the candidate.
While some delegates were being accredited to proceed to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the primaries, another set of delegates met in a facility in Commercial Avenue where they announced Shaibu as the PDP elected candidate.
They claimed that they went to the venue for accreditation but were chased away by security agencies. They also alleged that the list of delegates published by the national leadership of the party was not the authentic one alleging that they saw names of people from Bayelsa State and names of people who are members of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Declaring Shaibu winner of the election, Bartholomew Moses 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.”
The people had barely finished their exercise when gunmen invaded the venue. They were dressed in vigilante outfits and came in several vehicles including two black unmarked Toyota Hiace Trucks, an unmarked white sienna, white Hilux and several other vehicles. They were shooting sporadically into the air and the people scampered into different directions for safety
Before the election, the delegates led by Festus Owu went to the deputy governor’s official lodge where they complained to him that they had been disenfranchised.
Speaking to the protesting delegates, Shaibu said: “I appeal to all of you to be peaceful, I don’t want anybody to be injured, I don’t want anybody molested and I am happy the way you have conducted yourselves peacefully and have come to report to me that you were not allowed to be accredited. I want to tell you that no one man can determine the destiny of a people and by the grace of God they cannot disenfranchise you people.
“The law is clear that you people are the authentic delegates. Now that they have pushed you away, they want to go and replace you but I assure you that your votes must count, they cannot change and replace your names. I assure you that I will take your protest to the committee that is coming but you must remain peaceful in everything you are doing.”
Speaking to journalists later, Shaibu said: “I saw the crowd outside and I asked who they were and they said they were delegates. I said they should be directed to the venue of the accreditation but they said they were protesting because they had been sent away from the venue of accreditation.
“They won their election as delegates and they have their results. The election will hold and if a winner emerges with fake delegates, the election will not see the light of the day but if a winner emerges with the authentic delegates, there will be no problem, I am sure.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has revealed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has more than enough to tell Nigerians as its achievements in office in the last three years, as the party prepares to kick-start its nationwide electioneering.
Akpabio stated this while receiving in courtesy, members of the Senate Committee on Tertiarty Institutions, TETfund and NELfund led by its chairman, Senator Dandutse Mohammed, in his Uyo residence on Monday.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio, saying,” the current President has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles. When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box. In 2027 Nigerians will separate the shafts from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office.
” We have a President who thinks outside the box, bringing about innovation. We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds. Someone who is challenging him cannot even tell us what he did when he was governor. I can tell you what I did when I was the governor of my state. We will tell them a lot. Those in the opposition know too well, the achievements of this government in the area of the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy, but because they are in the opposition, they won’t say it”, he noted.
According to Akpabio, ” the 10th Senate under my leadership, has made giant strides and we are very proud of it. We will continue to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to achieve more for Nigerians. Even in this period of our annual vacation, you are here in Uyo doing your job. We don’t need to listen to the social media becaue it is gabage in, gabage out.”
Akpabio assured some of his colleagues who will not be returning to the 11th Senate that their loyalty to the party and Mr President will not go unappreciated, and charged them to continue to give in their best to the progress of the party and the success of the administration.
Earlier in his speech, Senator Mohammed said, “we are here today for a very important constitutional responsibility and to pay homage to our leader. The Senate President of the Republic of Nigeria. Under your leadership, we have enacted the law that is benefiting the Nigerian masses.
“ Nigerian parents are happy because of NELFUND and TELFUND. We are in Akwa Ibom State on sensitization and oversight on all of the infrastructures executed by TETFUND. On behalf of my colleagues, I want to sincerely appreciate your airport. This law is fundamental to the success story of the development of Nigeria, because education is key to success.”,he noted.
As the 2027 general elections approach, political parties are gearing up for the contest, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to retain the presidency and strengthen its hold across the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened the 2027 electioneering season, paving the way for political parties to roll out their manifestoes, campaign programmes and promises to the electorate.
Against this backdrop, the APC on Saturday unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, with 14 serving governors assigned various portfolios and responsibilities aimed at mobilising support and delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s presidential candidate, for a second term.
The governors and their respective roles are:
Deputy Director-General, North I — Mai Mala Buni
Mai Mala Buni, born on November 19, 1967, is the Governor of Yobe State. He has served as governor since 2019 and previously served as National Secretary of the APC.
Buni was re-elected governor in the 2023 governorship election, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sheriff Abdullahi.
Before venturing fully into elective politics, Buni was involved in business and served on the boards of several companies.
Secretary — Hope Uzodimma
Hope Uzodimma, born on December 12, 1958, is the Governor of Imo State and a prominent APC leader.
He became governor in January 2020 after the Supreme Court declared him the winner of the 2019 Imo State governorship election, overturning the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP.
Uzodimma was re-elected governor in the 2023 election and has also served as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, the umbrella body of APC governors.
Zonal Campaign Coordinator, South-South — Bassey Otu
Bassey Edet Otu, popularly known as Sweet Prince, is the Governor of Cross River State.
He previously represented Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and later served as Senator representing Cross River South between 2011 and 2015.
During his legislative career, Otu chaired committees covering petroleum resources and finance, among others. He was also appointed to the board of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2018.
Zonal Campaign Coordinator, South-East — Peter Mbah
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is the Governor of Enugu State. A lawyer, financial analyst and businessman, he is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd.
Before becoming governor, Mbah served as Chief of Staff and later Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.
He was elected governor on the platform of the PDP in 2023 but defected to the APC in October 2025, alongside several political leaders and stakeholders in the state.
Zonal Campaign Coordinator, South-West — Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has served as Governor of Lagos State since 2019.
He emerged as the APC governorship candidate in 2018 and defeated the incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the party’s primary election.
Sanwo-Olu won the 2019 governorship election and was re-elected in 2023. Before becoming governor, he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation.
Zonal Campaign Coordinator, North-Central — Umar Bago
Mohammed Umar Bago is the Governor of Niger State, having assumed office in May 2023.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Bago represented Chanchaga Federal Constituency and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration.
He emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Niger State ahead of the 2023 election and defeated his closest rival, Isah Liman Kantigi of the PDP.
Zonal Campaign Coordinator, North-West — Uba Sani
Uba Sani is the Governor of Kaduna State and a former senator representing Kaduna Central.
He began his political career in the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and later served in advisory roles at the federal and state levels.
Sani was elected senator for Kaduna Central in 2019 and emerged as the APC governorship candidate in 2022. He won the 2023 governorship election, defeating the PDP candidate, Isa Ashiru.
Director, Finance/Treasurer — Sheriff Oborevwori
Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori is the Governor of Delta State.
He previously served as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Okpe Constituency, before emerging as the PDP governorship candidate and winning the 2023 election.
Oborevwori defected to the APC in April 2025 alongside several political leaders in Delta State. The APC subsequently adopted him and President Tinubu as its preferred candidates for the 2027 elections in the state.
Deputy Director, Finance/Treasurer I — Ahmed Usman Ododo
Ahmed Usman Ododo is the Governor of Kogi State and a member of the APC.
Before becoming governor in 2024, he served as Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, where he oversaw the auditing of local government accounts.
Ododo is an accountant by profession and studied at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Director, Fundraising — Dapo Abiodun
Dapo Abiodun is the Governor of Ogun State and a member of the APC.
A businessman and accountant, Abiodun served as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission before becoming governor in 2019.
He won the 2019 governorship election and was re-elected in 2023. Before his political career, he held leadership positions in several companies, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Director, Labour Union Relations — Nasir Idris
Nasir Idris is the Governor of Kebbi State and a former labour leader.
He previously served as President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Idris emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Kebbi State ahead of the 2023 election and was declared winner of the poll by INEC.
Zonal Coordinator, Stakeholders’ Mobilisation, North-East — Inuwa Yahaya
Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya is the Governor of Gombe State and has served in that position since 2019.
A former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Gombe State, Yahaya also has extensive experience in the private sector.
He won the 2019 governorship election and was re-elected in 2023, defeating the PDP candidate, Muhammad Jibrin Barde.
Stakeholders’ Mobilisation — Umo Eno
Umo Bassey Eno is the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in the state and was involved in business and ministry work.
Eno won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the PDP but defected to the APC in June 2025.
Stakeholders’ Mobilisation — Dauda Lawal
Dauda Lawal is the Governor of Zamfara State.
A banker and former Executive Director, Public Sector North, at First Bank of Nigeria, Lawal won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the PDP, defeating the incumbent, Bello Matawalle of the APC.
His victory was significant as it marked the first time the PDP won a governorship election in Zamfara State since the return to democracy in 1999.
Lawal’s inclusion in the APC campaign council follows his subsequent political realignment and the broader expansion of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada, made the call in a post on X, arguing that Atiku’s decision to step aside could strengthen the opposition’s chances of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
Agada said Atiku’s withdrawal would not diminish his political legacy, but could instead help unite opposition forces behind Obi.
“AA is a good and solid man, but he needs to give it up at this point,” Agada wrote. “His idea for a working Nigeria is brilliant but at this point, he needs to give up his ambition.”
He added that Atiku should support Obi “to kick the APC out,” while praising the former vice president’s character, vision and contribution to Nigerian politics.
The call comes after Atiku declared that the 2027 presidential election would be the final time he would contest for the presidency, regardless of whether he wins or loses.
The former vice president has remained a major figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, having contested the presidency several times.
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