Edo Guber 2024: Non-Contenders Cannot Step Down for Anyone, Onaiwu Cautions

Earl Osaro Onaiwu, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and an aspirant in the 2024 Governorship election has described as a charade the recent news of aspirants purportedly stepping down for one another in the race for the Edo gubernatorial ticket.

In a Press statement in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Sunday 7th January, Onaiwu, who is a founding Director General of the PDP Governors Forum dismissed these announcements as mere media shows that lack validity within the party’s constitutional framework.

According to Onaiwu, “only a legitimate aspirant or candidate, who has undergone the required processes such as purchasing the Sales of Expression form, attending a screening event supervised by the National Working Committee, and obtaining the nomination form, can officially step down for another.”

The Party chieftain argues that what has been presented in the media as aspirants or candidates stepping down does not meet the party’s standard requirements, as the individuals in question have not gone through the necessary procedures.

Onaiwu urged members of the PDP in Edo State to be vigilant and not be swayed by such announcements, emphasizing that these are attempts to manipulate public opinion and force an unpopular candidate into the spotlight.

The PDP leader therefore, advised those considering stepping down to wait until the sales of the expression form become available, asserting that only then will it become clear who the serious contenders are.

Consequently, Onaiwu dispels what he perceives as misleading information and calls for adherence to the party’s constitutional processes in determining valid candidates for the upcoming primaries.