Edo: APC’s move to reduce aspirants raises dust ahead primary

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants in Edo State have rejected the report of the party’s panel on the governorship primary slated for next month. The screening committee, led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, had pruned down the number of aspirants from 23 to six – two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts. Those […]

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants in Edo State have rejected the report of the party’s panel on the governorship primary slated for next month.

The screening committee, led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, had pruned down the number of aspirants from 23 to six – two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts.

Those cleared by the committee are Ernest Umakhihe (Owan East LGA), Clem Agba (Etsako East LGA), Lucky Imasuen (Ovia North East LGA), Dennis Idahosa (Ovia South West LGA), David Imuse (Esan West LGA) and Monday Okpebholo (Esan Central LGA).

However, other aspirants rejected the report of the screening committee and vowed to contest the primary.

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One of the governorship aspirants, Anamero Dekeri, described the report of the screening panel as a personal arrangement.

The member representing Etsako Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, who appeared as guest on Channel Television, said the report lacked merit and that it betrayed the true performance of aspirants.

However, Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe, another aspirant from Edo Central senatorial district said he was in agreement with the committee’s recommendation.

“Even though it didn’t favour me, I will abide by their decision given that everybody cannot be governor at the same time,” he said in a statement.

He urged his supporters to accept the outcome, saying the decision of the party was more important than the ambition of an individual member.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu also rejected Ihonvbere’s panel report, saying he remained a candidate to beat in the primary.

He said the National Working Committee of the party has given clear directives that all aspirants for the governorship race are free to purchase nomination forms.

“I am still contesting the primary. I have not been screened out. The only people that can exclude aspirants are the committee set up by the NWC. I want to assure you that I will contest and win the election,” he said.

Also, the immediate past minister of state for Budget and National planning, Prince Clem Agba, described the report that the aspirants have been pruned to four as the handy work of mischief makers.

“I don’t agree that they (committee) pruned down the number of aspirants to four and I’m not also in agreement it was pruned to 10. I think it is the handy work of mischief makers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the party has declared that no governorship aspirants has been screened or disqualified from the governorship primary of the party.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Peter Uwadiae, said the Ihonvbere committee was an advisory one and not a screening committee.