The deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu says the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus does not control the PDP states.
Shaibu’s statement was directed at the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole who he said is trying to control Edo State ahead of the party’s governorship primary.
It could be recalled that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC headed by Oshiomhole had adopted direct primary, subsequently, Obaseki opted for an indirect primary, both moves had generated controversies and deepened the crisis rocking the party.
You May Also Like
Edo State has six aspirants contesting the APC ticket and it is speculated that Oshiomhole favours his former arch-rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Obaseki and Oshiomhole are in two separate factions after the duo fell out of love over the control of the state.
Benjamin Atu, in a statement signed on behalf of his boss, Shaibu said unlike Oshiomhole Secondus does not attempt to control PDP states.
“PDP has a national chairman, for instance, the national chairman of PDP doesn’t usurp the sovereignty of the PDP states,” he said.
“The sovereignty of the state can’t be submerged at this critical juncture of our lives.
The indirect primary will make it more convenient for INEC to supervise and will be more transparent.
“The APC national chairman is insisting on direct primary because the result of the yet to be conducted direct primary election is already written by him, just waiting to be announced.
“The state is sovereign but not enjoying its sovereignty because some few people are determined to ruin the State by hand twisting the government and Governor as a stooge. What the APC national chairman is doing is trying to usurp the powers of the state governor by thinking and making decisions for the government of Edo state.
“John Oyegun was the former governor of Edo state and he didn’t usurp Oshiomhole’s power in the name of ex-Governor Oshiomhole is not the first ex-Governor in Nigeria. He should give the people and government of Edo state peace to enable them reason collectively together.
“Obaseki is currently the governor of Edo state and his office must be respected because we can only have one governor at a time. He has spoken and there is no going back on the indirect primary. The direct primary will heighten COVID-19 transmission and infection at the community stage and the state is not ready for such an emergency.“
Shaibu boasted that no matter the mode of primary adopted by the party, Obaseki will win the primary scheduled for June 22.
More Stories
Tinubu Secures APC Presidential Ticket for 2027 Election
APC PRIMARY: Conflicting Results Characterise the Edo South Senatorial District Exercise
Exclusive: APC Chieftain says Edo Governor ‘Distracted by Politics,’ Has ‘Achieved Nothing’
Former Edo Commissioner Nehikhare Criticises Edo Government, says Govt ‘Not Working’
Nigerian Opposition Leaders Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso Join New Political Party
