The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has assured the twelve Edo state governorship aspirants in the February 17, party primary of a level playing ground for the most eligible and accepted candidate to fly the party’s flag in the September state governorship election.
He spoke through the national organising secretary, Suleiman Arugungu on Thursday, February 8, while inaugurating the Edo State National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee and Screening Appeal Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja
The national chairman enjoined members of the two committees to be meticulous in the discharge of their assignment and ensure that the outcome of their assignment would be devoid of any litigation.
He said: “We are going to provide a level playing ground for all our 12 aspirants. I implore you to be thorough in carrying out your assignment and follow the checklists to be sure that all the aspirants comply with the guidelines.
Charging members of the two committees, the chairman said: “As you proceed to engage with the task for which you have been nominated, please, be rest assured that we have made sure that the exercise will be hitch-free and seamless.”
Assuring the party and the aspirants of carrying out their assignment in line with the guidelines, the chairman of the screening committee, Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja, said his committee would not screen out any of the aspirants, but maintained that the guidelines would be adhered to strictly.
He stated: “We will be guided majority by three documents in this assignment – the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution of the party and the guidelines that have been handed over to aspirants in respect to their participation
“I want to assure you that we will be fair, first and foremost in going through the guidelines in the process of our screening of these aspirants
“Our work is not to disqualify any aspirant but to allow all aspirants to clear themselves, and where there might be some problems, that’s why the appeal committee is also set up as part of the due process – fairness and justice process of this great party.”
The two-day screening exercise began shortly after the inauguration of the committee with former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, and former deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen.
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Other aspirants screened were members representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri, former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu, and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.
For Friday, February 9, the immediate past APC state chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse, Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor are to present themselves for screening between 10 – 12 pm
While former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Blessing Agbohmere, member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe are slated to appear before the committee between 3 – 5 pm.