By Milcah Tanimu

The recent primary elections in Edo State have plunged the political arena into disarray, as the major parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP) – wrestle with internal strife ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21.

The primaries, intended to select candidates for the gubernatorial race, were marked by turmoil, drama, and confusion, reflecting deep-seated tensions within party ranks.

Within the PDP, cracks emerged in the once-solid relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, as their ambitions clashed. Obaseki threw his support behind Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, as the party’s candidate, sparking dissent among party members.

Similarly, the APC primary was marred by chaos, with conflicting results and violent disruptions clouding the process. Disputes over the outcome have further exacerbated divisions within the party, leading to protests and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party faced its own internal turmoil, with multiple factions vying for control and laying claim to the party’s gubernatorial ticket. Conflicting declarations of candidates have added to the confusion, underscoring the fragmented state of politics in Edo State.

As the parties grapple with internal strife, the political landscape in Edo State remains fraught with uncertainty, casting a shadow over the forthcoming governorship election.