PDP Stakeholders In Edo Write Screening Committee To Reject Igbodalo

Prior to the screening of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship aspirants for the September 21 election in Edo State, stakeholders of the party have rejected the alleged waiver of Asuen Ighodalo.
by Governor Godwin Obaseki, claiming that he has not spent up to two years and thus is ineligible to run.

According to them, the Governor’s actions directly violate the PDP constitution as amended in Section 9, Paragraph 3 of Page 68.

Concerned Edo PDP Patriots, a group of stakeholders, expressed their concerns in a petition to Caleb Mutfwang, Chairman of the Edo State Governorship Election 2024 Screening Committee and Governor of Plateau State.

The petition signed by Musa Aliyu (Owan East), Suleiman Braimoh (Etsako West), Victor Ikponwonsa (Egor), Osadolor Ogie (Oredo), Ebosele Odion (Esan Central), and obtained by journalists on Sunday night, was copied to PDP Acting National Chairman; members of its National Working Committee (NWC); Zonal Vice Chairman (South); Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT); and Edo State Working Committee.

They claimed that Asuen Ighodalo, Obaseki’s political godson, is ineligible to run for office because he has not been a member of the PDP for at least two years.

The petition reads, “We, the undersigned, wish to bring to your attention a matter of critical importance concerning the alleged waiver planned for the incumbent Governor’s aspirant, Asuen Ighodalo, in the upcoming Edo State Gubernatorial election of 2024.

“It has come to our attention that the proposed waiver directly violates the party’s constitution, as amended in Section 9, Paragraph 3, of Page 68, which states unequivocally that a member must have a minimum of two years of membership before being eligible to run for public office.

“It is clear that the governor’s nominated candidate (Asuen Ighodalo) does not meet this requirement as outlined in the party’s constitution. We believe that following the provisions of the party’s constitution is critical to upholding the principles of fairness and equality in our political process.

“Granting a waiver that ignores this critical membership requirement not only undermines the democratic process, but also violates the fundamental tenets of our party’s constitution.”

“With this in mind, we respectfully request that the screening committee consider this petition and refrain from making any incorrect decisions that could jeopardise the party’s chances of retaining the state.

“It is critical that the screening committee upholds the rule of law as outlined in the party’s constitution, ensuring that the Edo people are presented with a viable and suitable leadership capable of addressing the current social, economic, and infrastructure challenges.

“We are confident that the screening committee will consider this petition and take the necessary steps to uphold the values and principles that our party represents. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”