The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will present a certificate of return to Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo on Tuesday after his election has been ratified by the national leadership of the party.
This follows his emergence as the gubernatorial candidate of the party for the September election in Edo State.
The former Chairman of Sterling Bank brushed aside the challenge from nine others aspirants including the incumbent deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu; daughter of Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, Blessing Igbinedion; Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, Osaro Onaiwu, Arthur Esene and Omoregie Ihama.
However, Shaibu is also laying claim to the ticket having emerged as the winner of a parallel primary election.
A statement issued on Monday by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, affirmed that Ighodalo will receive the certificate following the successful completion of state governorship primary election and the ratification of the exercise by the Appeal Panel, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
The statement conveyed the commendation of the national leadership of the PDP to all leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the party in Edo State for “the peaceful and successful conduct of our governorship primary election in the state.”
The NWC charged all members to be guided accordingly and continue to work together to ensure victory for the party candidate in the forthcoming election.