Edo PDP In Row Over Choice Of Running Mate

pmnews-placeholder

Since the Edo state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted its primary election to elect its flag bearer in the 14 July governorship election, peace has eluded the party.

The primary election itself was contentious, as three of the five aspirants were not happy with the outcome of the election.

Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon and former governor Oserieme Osunbor had stormed out of the venue of the election even before the final announcement of Major General Charles Airhiavbere (retd) as winner of the primary election.

While the dust raised by the primary election was yet to settle, the choice of running a mate for Gen. Airhiavbere has continued to threaten the fragile peace in the party.

Since the election of Gen. Airhiavbere who hails from Edo South, several discussions and consultations have been held on whether the deputy governorship ticket should be ceded to Edo North where the incumbent governor, Comrade Oshiomhole hails from, or to Edo Central, the stronghold of national leader of the party, Chief Tony Anenih.

Among those earlier tipped for the position was the former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Zakawanu Garuba who hails from Auchi in Etsako West Locaal Government Area, where Governor Oshiomhole also comes from.

Also considered was Jacob Idinye, a Lagos-based media practitioner with Africa Independent Television (AIT).

Some PDP leaders had reportedly recommended Idinye ahead of Zakawanu Garuba. But it was reliably gathered that when the party approached the paramount ruler of Auchi seeking his approval and blessing, he minced no words in telling leaders of the PDP in clear and strong terms that his people would rather prefer the governorship position to that of the deputy which they already have in the person of Comrade Oshiomhole.

This has been seen as a tacit rejection of PDP and an endorsement of Adams Oshiomhole and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Attention appears to have now shifted to Akoko Edo and Owan axis of Edo North where PDP is hoping to use the position of the deputy governor to get the votes in either of the area, each of which has two state constituencies and one federal constituency.

The immediate past member representing Owan federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Johnson Abolagba appears to be the choice of party leaders.

Abolagba who was a former council chairman in Owan West local government is presently the Edo North senatorial vice chairman of PDP.

But some members of PDP who want the position zoned to Owan are of the opinion that Abolagba is not popular and hardly commands the respect and attention of party members outside his constituency.

Related News

To them, the former Adviser on Budget Implementation and Monitoring to President Obasanjo and one of the five aspirants for the governorship ticket in the state, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere will be a better candidate.

They argued that the Professor will make more appeal to the people than Abolagba, that is if he agrees to be deputy to Airhiavbere.

A stalwart of PDP who did not want to be named said: “If PDP must make a good impact in Edo north senatorial district, particularly in the two Owan local government areas, then we need a candidate like Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

“He is popular and eloquent; he has got the charisma and all it takes to win the votes in Owan. He will be a very good complement to Gen. Airhiavbere.

“This election should not be about the candidate that the leaders prefer, but about the candidate that the people of the area he comes from and the entire state will accept and because of him vote for the party, and Prof. Ihonvbere fits into that position.”

However, the people of Edo Central Senatorial District which is the smallest in the state, are also eyeing the post.

Authoritative sources within the party disclosed to P.M.NEWS that Felix Akhabue who performed creditably well during his tenure as Chairman of Esan West local government area is eagerly jostling for the position.

A senior member of the party however said PDP’s political calculation is that since it already maintains stronghold in Edo Central Senatorial District which also has the position of Minister for Works in the person of Arc. Mike Onolememen, it will be wise for the party to cede the Deputy Governorship ticket to Edo North.

Considering that the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole also hails from there, they hope that votes from that region will be split between ACN and PDP considerably, while hoping that the influence of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and the fact that Gen. Airhiavbere is from there will do the job in Edo south.

Edo South has the largest population, but the absence of Dr. Ogbemudia on health grounds during last April national and state assemblies elections however affected the fortunes of PDP.

Party faithful are of the opinion that his presence now would inject some life into PDP in Edo South and enhance its electoral fortunes in the fast approaching gubernatorial election.

By Jethro Ibileke/Benin City

Load more