The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) screening committee, headed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has given the go-ahead for 10 aspirants to contest the party’s gubernatorial ticket for the forthcoming Edo State election.
The committee carried out the screening exercise on Monday at the national secretariat of the party and has now issued provisional certificates of clearance to the aspirants to enable them to participate in the gubernatorial primaries of the party.
The exercise is scheduled to take place on February 22.
The National Organizing Secretary (NOS) of the PDP, Umar Bature, confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that the 10 aspirants have indeed been cleared and issued their certificates.
They include the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, Asue Ighodalo, Osaro Onaiwu, Ms. Omosede Igbenedion, Anslem Ojezua, Arthur Esene, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Prof Martins Uhomoibhi, and Umoru Adizetu Hadizat.
Balogun Sunday, who also picked the party’s expression of interest form, failed to collect the nomination form and was not present for the screening exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Edo State Governorship election for September 21, 2024.
Recall that Governor Mutfwang had assured that all the aspirants would have a level-playing ground.
Speaking before the commencement of the exercise on Monday, he reminded the aspirants that only one would emerge as the candidate, stressing the need for others to work with the eventual flag bearer for the sake of the unity of the PDP.
He said: “I want to assure you that we will give all the support we can to ensure that PDP retains Edo State. Ultimately it is only one person that will emerge. If we believe that it is God that gives power, then it is not today, neither is it on the election day that God is going to determine who will govern. He has already determined. But we as humans, we don’t yet know. That is why these processes are ongoing.
“We appreciate the concerns that you have expressed. Putting in place a level playing field, we are going to be strong advocates of that. And ensure that at the end of the day we have a process that is transparent, a process that is fair. I am a beneficiary of that process, that when all is said and done, we will still work together as one big family.”
