The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is facing a major crisis as the chairman of the committee that conducted the state delegate election, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has resigned from his position. His resignation came after nine out of the 11 governorship aspirants of the party boycotted the election, which took place on Sunday across the state.

The nine aspirants, who include the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and the former state chairman of the party, Dan Orbih, wrote a letter to the acting national chairman of the PDP, Umar Illiya, protesting the process and composition of the committee. They alleged that officials of the Delta and Edo State governments, who are loyal to Governor Godwin Obaseki (the incumbent governor and a recent defector from the All Progressives Congress), altered the list of electoral officers.

The aspirants alleged that Obaseki, who is seeking a second term in office under the PDP, has biasedly worked in favor of Makinde. They demanded a fresh and transparent exercise that would reflect the will of the party members.

Makinde, however, denied the allegations and said he withdrew from the committee to avoid further escalation of the crisis. He said he had no personal interest in the outcome of the election and that he only accepted the assignment to serve the party and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.

The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who served as the deputy chairman of the committee, took over the conduct of the election. He praised the party members’ turnout and highlighted that the PDP upholds the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

Meanwhile, Obaseki, who participated in the election in his ward, dismissed the crisis as hyped and said it would not affect the chances of the party in the governorship election scheduled for February 22. He said the PDP was united and ready to reclaim the state from the APC, which he accused of misrule and corruption.

He said he hoped that the efforts to unify the party and pacify all stakeholders would continue.

The PDP is one of the major contenders in the Edo governorship race, which is expected to be a fierce contest between Obaseki and his former ally and predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is the national chairman of the APC. The APC has yet to announce its candidate, but there are indications that it may be Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former PDP member who defected to the APC last year.

The outcome of the election may also have implications for the 2024 general elections, as both parties seek to consolidate their support base and expand their reach.

The PDP has expressed confidence that it will emerge victorious in the election, citing its grassroots mobilization and the achievements of Obaseki in his first term. The party has also vowed to resist any attempt by the APC to rig or manipulate the election, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to ensure a free and fair process.

The APC, on the other hand, has accused the PDP of desperation and incompetence and said the people of Edo would reject Obaseki and his party at the polls. The party has also alleged that the PDP was planning to cause violence and chaos during the election and urged the security agencies to be vigilant and proactive.

As the countdown to the election begins, the people of Edo are hopeful that the exercise will be peaceful and credible, and that their votes will count. They also hope that whoever emerges as the governor will deliver on his promises and improve their living conditions.

Source: Punch