As the race for the governorship election in Edo State begins, jostling for the selection of a running mate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate has become intense.
APC elected Senator Monday Okpebholo, the lawmaker representing Edo Central Senatorial District, as its governorship candidate on February 23.
However, following the settlement of the governorship primary in favour of Okpebholo, some senior members of the party, who are interested in becoming running mate to the candidate, have started showing interest. Most notable among them is former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, fondly called EJ.
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A diaspora group, N’Edo Ghama Diaspora Group, USA, is of the opinion that EJ has the legislative and executive experience, having worked as a Special Adviser under the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Besides, the group believes EJ’s connection with some past American presidents will be an added advantage to the state if he emerges as the deputy governor.
In a statement on Sunday, N’Edo Ghama Diaspora Group, USA, said: “When considering and shopping for a running mate in any election as regards the office of the deputy governor of a state, there are a number of factors to be considered in the choice of person who will fit into that office, and by extension, one who can complement his/her boss. There is need to settle for one who has wealth of experience and huge electoral value.
“Getting a good candidate to fly the party’s flag in an election that will be keenly contested is not enough to guarantee the party’s victory at the polls without a running mate whose electoral value cuts across all spheres of the society.