Yes, you can each create a separate EE profile. The term "secondary applicant" is not correct. There is a "primary applicant" and "dependant(s)".
The benefits of having parallel profiles are questionable but it IS permitted. Once an ITA had been received, then it makes sense to only submit a single PR application. You both have to be admissible regardless of which of you received the ITA.
Hi Zardoz, a silly question perhaps but is the primary applicant the only one to receive AOR and does the letter state the names of dependents (in this case, a spouse)?