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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A lawyer and businessman, Asue Ighodalo, has been declared the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election, held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.
Ighodalo defeated about nine other aspirants including the deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, in the election, on Thursday.
He polled a total of 577 votes to become the candidate of the PDP in the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who is the chief returning officer for the election declared Ighodalo as the winner.
“I, therefore, declare Asuelimen Ighodalo the winner of this concluded primary today with a total vote of 577.
“Therefore, I hereby return him elected as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming election in Edo State. My brother, congratulations,” he said.
Incumbent deputy governor of the state, Shaibu had just one vote in the election.
In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo, who was dressed in a white kaftan and flanked by his wife, Ifenyinwa, thanked delegates, supporters, and the PDP for their backing.
“I am actually, totally humbled. I thank the good people of Edo State. In the last four months, I have got to meet them more,” he said.
Ighodalo also praised governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, for laying a good foundation, promising to give his all for the state.
“I am only a tool in this process and I promise you all I will be a good tool. By the grace of God, Edo State will move from where Governor Obaseki stopped,” he added
The lawyer hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.
Ighodalo’s victory comes one month after he threw himself into the ring for the race.
Before his emergence, some delegates had declared Shaibu as the governorship candidate of the PDP in a parallel election.