Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The former Chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, Barr. Asue Ighodalo on Thursday emerged winner of the PDP factional primary election held at the Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Edo State, beating seven other aspirants. Ighodalo, who is the governor's anointed candidate scored 577 votes to beat Bar Anselm Ojezua, Arthur Esele, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru and Felix Akhabue, all scoring zero, while 6 votes were void out of 585 accredited delegates. He noted that Governor Obaseki has laid the foundation for him to build upon if eventually elected governor and promised to assemble young men and women for his government to turn the state around. Also, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race, while the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, scored one vote, though he held a factional congress, where he was declared the winner.