I have been vindicated – Shaibu

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has said that the court ruling over the party’s governorship primary election has not removed Asue Ighodalo as the governorship candidate of the party contrary to what is being peddled.

But the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council has called on Ighodalo to now join it in its campaign to the people of the state while the former deputy governor, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu said he has been vindicated haven maintained from day one that the PDP did not conduct a proper primary election.

A statement released by Aziegbemi said the misinformation about the removal of its candidate was to deceive the party’s teeming members.

He said “The PDP is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo are going about peddling rumors that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo has been nullified.

“Let it be on record that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the party for the 2024 elections remains intact and that the judgement of the Federal High court in Abuja did not in any way affect the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo

“We urge our teaming loyal supporters to remain calm and resolute as there is no cause for alarm. “

APC Campaign Council reacts

A statement by the Director, Publicity Committee of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo said the court decided to avoid the imposition of an unpopular person on the Edo people.

The statement said “The news of the disqualification of Mr Asue Ighodalo as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has been received by Edo people as relief from imposition of forgery and continuation of self-serving governance in our state.

“APC as a progressive party, is calling on Mr. Ighodalo to join hands with Senator Monday Okpebholo to retake the state and reset it for prosperity.

“What is more important at this point is the interest of Edo people who are eagerly waiting for solutions that will ensure food security, accessible and affordable healthcare, and a thriving economy.”

Shaibu reacts

Former deputy governor, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu said the decision of the court vindicated his earlier statement that the PDP did not conduct a proper primary election.

He told Vanguard on the phone “I said it from day one that I have the authentic delegates and they voted for me on the day of the primary.

“I said that what happened that day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was like a birthday party or a wedding reception because the real people that were supposed to vote were not there but with the court now I have been vindicated.

“I have been vindicated and I salute the judiciary. This victory is for the Edo people, it is for democracy and by the grace of God, we will take our state back from outsiders.”