Three governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo have stepped down for Gov. Godwin Obaseki to contest in order to sustain unity in the party.

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who is chairman PDP Edo Governorship Primary Committee, said this during the governorship primary on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

He said the aspirants took the steps to minimise and avoid party rancour ahead of the Sept. 19 governorship election.

The aspirants were House of Representative member, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Chief Gideon Ikini and Mr Ken Imasuagbon.

He, however, said that the party would still conduct the primary in line with the party’s democratic tenets.

Mohammed gave the assurance that the primary would be transparent and acceptable to all.

He noted that there had been adjustments and synergy among the aspirants, adding that aspirants would be given the opportunity to address delegates on their decisions.

According to him, today Edo is making history, as PDP has come a long way as a tested and trusted party.

He said that the party had respect for internal democracy, adding that in spite of internal wrangling, the party had always put the interest of Nigeria first.

The Newsmen reports that the four aspirants held hands in unity and danced to songs at the podium.

The aspirants, who took turns to address delegates, said they dropped their ambitions because they were convinced that Obaseki would continue with his developmental stride which aligned with their mission.

Reports have it that voting commenced at about 6 p.m.