The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it would screen incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, main challenger, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and four others ahead of the Edo State Guber primary slated for June 22.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the ruling party promised to display the credentials of aspirants for “claims and objectives”.
Governor Obaseki faces an uphill task to return for another term in office having fallen out with predecessor, now APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.
The ex-labour leader has reportedly thrown his weight behind Ize-Iyamu, who was on the opposing camp during the last poll in 2016.
However, Obaseki has remained defiant, vowing to contest under the APC and warned the party chairman to stay away from the primary.
Aside from the much-fancied duo, the APC also announced quartet hopefuls; Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.
The party says the six individuals have bought, completed and submitted the party’s expression of interest and nomination form.
To avoid ” recent shocking experiences”, the APC, however, said, “submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to our party members would be made public for verification”.
Read full statement below:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces six Governorship aspirants to be screened for the Party’s June 22, 2020, Primary Election to elect the Party’s Edo state governorship candidate,” Issa-Onilu said.
The six aspirants who have bought, completed and submitted the Party’s expression of interest and nomination forms are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, H.E. Godwin Obaseki, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.
In our bid to ensure due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise and learning from our recent shocking experiences, we are determined to avoid any lapses in the process. Therefore, we are making the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to our party members and the public for verification of claims and to support the screening panel with information or any objection to the claims contained in the submission by the aspirants.
Consequently, the various submissions will be displayed at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June 2020 for claims and objections.
We are inviting party members and indeed members of the public to assist the screening committee by scrutinizing the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the Screening Committee of counter and correct information, if applicable.
Recall that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, APC had earlier released its time table and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2020 Governorship Primary Elections in the Edo States.
Accordingly, sales of nomination and expression of interest forms began at the APC National Secretariat from Wednesday 20th May to Tuesday 2nd June 2020.
The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents was
Wednesday 3rd June 2020.
As earlier stated, the publication of claims and objections will be from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June 2020.
Screening of aspirants has been slated for Wednesday 10th to Thursday 11th June 2020.
This will be followed by Screening Appeal which will hold on Friday 12th June 2020.
The Primary Election will hold on Monday 22nd June 2020, while Election Appeal has been slated for Wednesday 24th June 2020.
