Asue Ighodalo, on Thursday, emerged as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21.

The chief returning officer and chairman of the Edo governorship primary election committee, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, declared Mr Ighodalo as the winner after he garnered 577 votes to defeat six other aspirants.

The primary was co-chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

The governorship primary was held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

The Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, led officials of INEC to monitor the process.

Mr Ighodalo scored 577 votes to defeat other aspirants, including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who scored one vote.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ighodalo, who thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, promised prosperity for all Edo people.

He added that he would make deliberate efforts to tackle poverty and deliver good governance to the people.

Six contested the PDP governorship ticket, while two former House of Representatives members, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Omosede Igbinedion, stepped down minutes before the primary.

The other aspirants, Anslem Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Osaro Onaiwu, and Arthur Esene, all scored zero votes.

Earlier, the state chairman of PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who welcomed the Edo governorship primary election committee to the state, said the PDP was ready for the September governorship polls.

Mr Aziegbemi said 594 ad hoc delegates were elected by party members.

(NAN)