In a dramatic turn of events, the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced turmoil during a parallel primary election, culminating in the selection of Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu as the candidate. The situation unfolded on Thursday, raising concerns about the fairness of the party’s internal processes and casting a shadow over the electoral proceedings.
While some delegates were undergoing accreditation at the designated venue, another group gathered elsewhere, voicing support for Shaibu and alleging irregularities in the accreditation process. Led by Bartholomew Moses, this faction declared Shaibu as the rightful candidate, pointing to discrepancies in the delegate list and expressing dissatisfaction with how the primary was being conducted.
Amidst escalating tensions, the announcement of Shaibu’s victory was followed by a frightening incident when armed individuals, reportedly dressed as vigilantes, arrived at the venue and began firing shots. Panic ensued as attendees fled in fear, highlighting the volatile atmosphere surrounding the primary.
Before the chaos erupted, delegates led by Festus Owu had raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement, staging a protest outside Deputy Governor Shaibu’s official residence. In response, Shaibu sought to reassure the protesters of their rights and pledged to advocate for their inclusion in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles and fairness.
In the aftermath of the turmoil, Shaibu reiterated his commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and condemned any attempts to undermine democratic norms. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in navigating internal party politics and underscores the importance of upholding democratic values in all aspects of the electoral process.