Phillip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo, has stated that he feels vindicated by the recent Federal High Court ruling that invalidated the gubernatorial primary election in the state.
In response to the judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo on Thursday, Shaibu asserted that the purported PDP primary election that took place on February 22, 2024, was merely a frivolous gathering with no legal validity.
Shaibu has consistently argued that the PDP compromised internal democracy through the fraudulent conduct of its primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
He emphasized that the delegates who supported him at his parallel primary election were the legitimate representatives selected by the people to nominate the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate.
Regarding speculations about his potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Shaibu indicated that such a move would not be problematic, as democracy fundamentally revolves around serving the majority.
“When a political party actively recruits individuals to join its ranks, it aims to secure victory; however, when a party repels individuals, as seen in the case of the PDP, it is merely planning to manipulate the election,” Shaibu remarked.
The court ruling by Justice Ekwo invalidated the February 22 PDP primary election due to the exclusion of 378 delegates who were lawfully supposed to participate.
Shaibu stressed the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process to ensure that the people’s will triumph. He reiterated his dedication to advocating for justice and fairness within the political realm, emphasizing the significance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Looking ahead, Shaibu expressed his resolve to enhance democracy in Edo State and beyond. He underscored the necessity for political parties to prioritize the interests of the electorate and uphold democratic values in all their undertakings.
Shaibu remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice as he navigates the political sphere. The recent court ruling has further invigorated his determination to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Shaibu’s resolute dedication to democratic ideals sets the stage for his future initiatives in Edo State and beyond.
