Edo Guber 2024: Group Warns Against Waiver for Asuen Ighodalo

A group that goes by the name Concerned Edo PDP Patriot has written a petition that raises a significant issue regarding the eligibility of an aspirant allegedly backed by the incumbent Governor, Asuen Ighodalo, for the upcoming Edo State Gubernatorial election of 2024.

The petitioners argue that granting a waiver to this aspirant contradicts the party’s constitution, specifically pointing to Section 9, Paragraph 3, on page 68, which mandates a minimum of two years of membership for an individual to be eligible to stand for election into any public office.

The petition, dated January 26, 2024, is addressed to Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who serves as the Chairman of the Edo State Gubernatorial election 2024 screening committee. The concerned individuals who signed the petition are Musa Aliyu – Owan East, Suleiman Braimoh- Etsako west, Victor Ikponwonsa – Egor, Osadolor Ogie- Oredo and Ebosele Odion- Esan central. They have also copied the letter to the acting National chairman of the party, other key stakeholders, and various party officials, including the PDP Acting National Chairman, Members of PDP NWC, PDP Zonal Vice Chairman South, Chairman PDP Governors’ forum, Chairman PDP BOT, and the Edo state working committee.

According to the petitioners, “We believe that adhering to the provisions of the party’s constitution is paramount to upholding the principles of fairness and equality within our political processes. Granting a waiver that overlooks this vital membership requirement not only undermines the integrity of the democratic process but also goes against the fundamental tenets of our party’s constitution.”

“With this in mind, we respectfully urge the screening committee to consider this petition and to refrain from making any erroneous decisions that could potentially jeopardize the party’s chances of retaining the state. It is crucial that the screening committee upholds the rule of law as outlined in the party’s constitution, thereby ensuring that the Edo people are presented with a viable and befitting leadership capable of addressing the social, economic, and infrastructural challenges that they currently face.”

“We trust that the screening committee will give due consideration to this petition and take the necessary steps to uphold the values and principles that our party stands for.”

As things stand now, the outcome of this petition will likely depend on how well the concerned individuals can substantiate their claims and whether the party leadership is willing to address potential violations of the party’s constitution.

While interested parties wait with measured anticipation, it is essential to highlight that the petition could influence the screening process of the aspirants, especially if there is evidence supporting the allegations and also, if party leaders are committed to upholding the party’s internal rules and regulations.