The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday night cleared all the 12 governorship aspirants in Edo State ahead of its 17th February primary.
This followed a two-day screening exercise by the Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led seven-man screening committee. All the aspirants will now contest next Saturday party’s primary.
APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu presented all the cleared aspirants with Certificate of Screening clearance at the party National Secretariat in Abuja.
The aspirants include former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.
Others cleared are the immediate past state chairman of the party, Col. David Onabure Imuse; former Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd); Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.
Eleven aspirants received their certificates, while Osunbor, was represented by his wife, Lady Ussieh.
Assuring the aspirants of a free, fair, transparent primary, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains the only clearing house for all the processes for the election.
According to Duru: “We (NWC) are working closely with the state acting chairman of the party. We will brief him constantly on the steps being taken by the NWC to ensure free, fair and transparent primaries in the state. Where you are in doubt, please feel free and make a call to the state chairman. If you cannot reach him, you can call on the national organising secretary or myself to answer any questions at any point in time”.
He also advised the aspirants to acquaint themselves with a schedule of activities towards the conduct of the party’s primary.
“The next will then be the delegate’s Congress which will be conducted on Monday. I want to believe for those of you who don’t have the schedule. It has been produced and published which will lead us to the conduct of the primaries on the 17th February 2024. Please do have it ready and handy.
“We would like to wish all of you the very best and ensure you conduct yourselves as members of the party in an atmosphere devoid of rancour”
