In an unexpected twist, a group of nine governorship aspirants within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have formed an alliance aimed at undermining the candidacy of Barr. Asue Ighodalo, who is rapidly gaining popularity as the frontrunner for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
The Legacy Coalition, led by PDP’s National Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, consists of Comrade Philip Shaibu, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anslem Ojezua, Omosede Igbinedion, Felix Akhabue, Arthur Esene, Prof Martin Uhomoibh, Umoru Hadizat, and Osaro Onaiwu. This coalition has made it clear that they will support any candidate other than Barr. Asue Ighodalo and actively work against his emergence as the PDP candidate.
The coalition’s attempt to disqualify Barr. Ighodalo by citing an outdated version of the PDP Constitution has proven to be a fatal mistake. In their petition, signed by Musa Aliyu, Suleiman Braimoh, and Victor Ikponwonsa, they referenced the 2012 constitution instead of the most recent 2017 amendment.
The 2012 provision stipulated that a member must have a minimum of two years of membership to be eligible for election into any public office. However, the current 2017 amendment, signed by Prince Uche Secondus, specifically Section 50(4), allows a member who has spent only one month in the party to contest elections. Barr. Asue Ighodalo joined the PDP in May 2023, making him qualified under the current PDP Constitution to run for elective office.
The 2012 provision stipulated that a member must have a minimum of two years of membership to be eligible for election into any public office. However, the current 2017 amendment, signed by Prince Uche Secondus, specifically Section 50(4), allows a member who has spent only one month in the party to contest elections. Barr. Asue Ighodalo joined the PDP in May 2023, making him qualified under the current PDP Constitution to run for elective office.
The flawed petition was submitted to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who serves as the Chairman of the screening committee for the Edo State Gubernatorial Election 2024. However, despite this misguided attempt, the screening committee has cleared Barr. Ighodalo and issued him his clearance certificate. Now, all attention is focused on the ad hoc delegate congresses scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd, and the crucial governorship primaries in Benin City on February 22nd, 2024.
In response to the efforts by some aspirants to disqualify Asue, a spokesperson from the Asue Ighodalo Campaign organization stated, “As the 2024 Edo governorship elections approach, it is crucial for aspirants to effectively communicate their plans to the voters. Likewise, voters should go beyond mere politicking and thoroughly scrutinize the plans of the aspirants for the development of the state.”
The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, further added, “These desperate conspiracies to exclude certain aspirants are driven by the thirst for power rather than the well-being of the people. Like Joseph in the Bible, we believe their plans to bring Asue down will lift up our candidate. We are focused on lifting citizens out of poverty and into prosperity. We hope that citizens prioritize good governance and prevent selfish politicians from sacrificing it on the altar of power.”