Fresh Crisis Hits PDP As Shaibu Reveals If Party Fails To Give Him Certificate Of Return

A fresh controversy has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the aftermath of the Edo State governorship primaries, with Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu asserting his victory in a parallel primary and demanding a certificate of return from the party’s National Secretariat.

Shaibu’s bold move to assert his claim has added a new layer of tension within the party, particularly after the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, officially recognized Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the primary winner.

In addressing the press, Shaibu emphasized his expectation for the party to adhere to its rules or face potential legal action, stating, “Today is 28th of February, 2024. By the PDP guidelines approved by the NWC on the Edo 2024 governorship primary, today is the day set aside by the electoral guidelines that the certificate of returns will be issued.”

He continued, “I am here to receive my certificate of return because I won the primary in Edo where the authentic delegates voted. Today is the presentation of Certificate of Return according to the party, so PDP must follow its rules and guidelines.”

Shaibu also expressed skepticism regarding the sincerity of reconciliation calls, particularly from Governor Godwin Obaseki and his team, citing intimidation and harassment tactics.

Addressing the potential of seeking legal redress, Shaibu stated, “When the party’s internal mechanism is followed and it is obvious that the party is not ready to listen, the next line of action obviously will be the judiciary, but I pray we don’t get there and that is why I came here today.”