Edo: Shaibu, 4 others pick PDP gov’ship forms

Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State and four other aspirants have picked the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary scheduled for February 22.

Others are Asue Ighodalo, Felix Akhabue and Anslem Ojezua who also picked their forms at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja on Thursday.

Before now, Blessing Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion had on Wednesday purchased her forms, bringing the total number of aspirants to five.

The PDP expression of interest form was pegged at N5 million while the nomination form is N30million. At the cost of N35 million and with five aspirants, who had already purchased the forms, PDP has raked in N145 million into its coffer as female aspirants only paid the N5million for the expression of interest form.

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Addressing newsmen at the party National Secretariat shortly after collecting the forms, Ighodalo denied being the candidate of the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki.

He promised that he would bring to the table a pathway that will move Edo State from where it is to first world economy if elected, adding that he is ready to provide health services, “To remove our people from poverty, to provide water, to provide electricity, to provide security, working with other people and working with our team, working with the federal government and working with other states.

Also addressing newsmen, the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu said that it was the turn of the people to decide who will be the governor of Edo State.

Speaking on behalf of Shaibu, the Forum of the past National Association Nigeria Students (NANS) Leaders led by Patrick Afubera who purchased his forms, said that once the deputy governor gets the tickets, the people will elect him.

Afubera, who is the spokesman for the group, said, “I think that it is the turn of the people to decide who will be the governor of Edo State. I am very confident that with what Philip Shaibu is made of, once he gets the ticket of PDP, the people will elect him as the governor of Edo State.

Also explaining why he is in the best position to get the ticket, Felix Akhabue said he will be able to galvanise his people to be able to win the primary, adding he’s not just planning to win the primary alone, but planning to win the election itself.