A leading governorship aspirant in Edo State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has withdrawn from the race.
The decision to withdraw was contained in a letter dated February 22, 2024, addressed to the National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Sam Anyanwu.
Recall that Ogbeide-Ihama, the choice of Dan Orbih’s Legacy Group, would have emerged as PDP governorship candidate in the 2020 election but withdrew for incumbent Godwin Obaseki to find accommodation in the party and pick the ticket after he (Obaseki) was edged out by his former party-the All Progressives Congress.
His one-page letter reads: “Withdrawal from Edo 2024 governorship election process”, which he copied to the PDP National Working Committee: “Over a year ago, in response to the overwhelming calls from a diverse section of our citizenry, I began the painstaking consultation process with various stakeholders in our state.
“Based on their response, I set out on the journey of contesting for the governorship of Edo State, following all the laid-down processes provided by our party’s National Working Committee.
“Unfortunately, the process was corrupted by the several irregularities that marked the ward congress organized by our party in Edo State. I and eight (sic) other aspirants voiced our dissatisfaction with the transparency of the process and the culpability of the committee that was sent to oversee the process. It was glaring that the process had been skewed to favour a particular aspirant unjustly.
“As committed party members, we followed established processes to express our dissatisfaction by approaching both appeal panels set up to address issues rising from the congress with evidence of apparent violations of the guidelines published by the party.
“Unfortunately, the National Working Committee’s continued intention to deny aspirants a level playing (sic) field sadly ignored the recommendations from both panels. The situation has made it impossible to continue with a process in which I have lost confidence in its integrity and credibility.
“Having consulted with my family, key stakeholders, and supporters, I have taken the hard, honourable, and logical decision to withdraw from the process of selecting a candidate for our party for the 2024 Edo governorship elections.
“I will further communicate my subsequent actions with you if and when necessary.
“Accept my regards.”
Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama
