Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, screened the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; former managing director of Sterling Bank, Asuen Ighodalo and former member of the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, for the February 22 primary to choose its candidate for the Edo gubernatorial poll.
Others screened included former chairman, Esan West Local Government Area, Felix Akhabue; former Edo State chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Anslem Ojezua, and former member of House of Representatives, Omosede Igbinedion; Arthur Esene, Martin Uhomoibh and Osaro Onaiwu.
Chairman of the screening panel, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, while addressing the aspirants, assured the party will create a level playing field for all contestants. Mutfwang added that the PDP would do all it could to win the governorship poll.
Nevertheless, he admonished the governorship hopeful to bear in mind that only one of them would emerge as candidate of the opposition party at the end of the day.
“I want to assure you we will give all the support we can to ensure PDP retains Edo State. Ultimately, it is only one person that will emerge. If we believe it is God that gives power, then it is not today neither is it on the election day that God is going to determine who will govern. He has already determined it.
“But we, as humans, don’t yet know, that is why these processes are ongoing. We appreciate the concerns that you have expressed, putting in place a level playing field, we are going to be strong advocates of that. And ensure at the end of the day, we have a process that is transparent, a process that is fair. I am a beneficiary of that process. That when all is said and done, we will still work together as one big family,” the governor said.
Onaiwu, while addressing newsmen, after the screening, said it is important for the PDP to have a reward system for loyal party members, so as to brighten the chances of the opposition party at the poll.
“Winning Edo is a priority to the party, wining Edo is a must win for PDP, we cannot allow Edo to slip to the hands of the APC. I have told everyone to drop their ego and support whoever emerges as the PDP candidate as long as the process is free, fair and transparent.
Meanwhile, the screening panel is expected to submit its report to the PDP national working committee which will in turn make it public.