By Milcah Tanimu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership has accused Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, of attempting to sow discord within the party’s state structure. In a statement released on Tuesday, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, asserted that the party’s legal team is prepared to address any legal actions initiated by Shaibu.

This statement comes in response to Shaibu’s threat to pursue legal action after losing the PDP’s gubernatorial primary election ticket. Shaibu had organized a parallel primary election, declaring himself the party’s governorship candidate. However, the PDP officially recognized Asue Ighodalo as the legitimate winner of the primary, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Abdullahi, undeterred by Shaibu’s legal threats, emphasized the party’s commitment to its chosen candidate. He remarked, “We are not worried. We wish the deputy governor well on his journey to the court. We are waiting for him. We cannot continue to run this party like this. Is he the only one who contested the primary? Why is he going on like this?”

Highlighting the party’s reconciliation efforts, Abdullahi pointed out that the majority of the candidates who participated in the primary had accepted the party’s reconciliation move. He expressed concern about the potential for crisis if Shaibu remains resistant to reconciliation, stating, “This is a recipe for a crisis. We cannot waste our time if someone is not ready for reconciliation. We have a legal department.”