Phillip Shaibu shuts down PDP HQ, demands recognition, Certificate of Return

CYRIL MBAH, Abuja

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, caused heavy commotion and scared the general staff working for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Wadata House on Wednesday when he stormed the party secretariat with supporters and demanded official recognition as the candidate of the PDP in the Edo September election.

A combined team of security personnel were promptly called in to restore order and the deputy governor was physically escorted out of the premises as his shouting became too rowdy as he demanded a Certificate of Return.

While going back to his car, Philip was heard still shouting and warning that the courts will decide the rightful winner of the congress before he left the premises as his supporters booed PDP leaders who remained in their offices.

Speaking to newsmen at the party’s Secretariat, the embattled Shaibu said: “Today is the day set aside for the collection of certificate of return for the winner of the primary. I understand someone came yesterday and was given, well, the court will decide.”

He said the officially recognized candidate who collected a certificate on Tuesday was an imposter promising to use the court process to remedy the situation.

Recall that Shaibu emerged the winner of a parallel governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Thursday.

However, the party has thrown its backing behind Asue Ighodalo, a businessman who was declared winner of another PDP Edo gubernatorial election observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ighodalo received a Certificate of Return on Tuesday.