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Tag: Edo

  • We’ll bring development to Edo, says aspirant

    We’ll bring development to Edo, says aspirant

    A governorship aspirant in Edo, Victor Eboigbe, has vowed to bring development to the state if is he elected as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and eventually wins.

    He made this known at Ward 1, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government.

     Eboigbe said: “We are gathered here today because I want to tell you, my people, that I have taken the decision to vie for the position of governor of our dear state.

    “There is no way I can ever make the final formal decision without first informing you.

    “You have to be the first to know because charity, the saying goes, begins at home.”

     The aspirant, a federal commissioner with Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), recalled his political journey from the Action Congress (AC), through the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the APC.

    He urged the people to rally round him as they have always done over the years.

     He said the time has come for the people to be involved in governance.

    Read Also: Wanted: A consensus Edo APC candidate

     Eboigbe thanked the people for their support, which, according to him, is the pivot on which his success stands.

    “I am glad we have walked roads together. I am happier today that we are still together, knowing that we have many more memorable journeys to go together. Your ever ready support made past journeys possible. With it I have contended with and conquered numerous challenges. With it, I will be able to conquer more, including this one.

     “With your support, I am certain that I will be able to make our dear state the envy of other states in the provision of people-oriented development. This is the reason I am stepping forward to take the challenge. This is the reason I am putting it before you,” he said.

  • Cash crunch hits Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Delta, Plateau, Jigawa, Osun

    Cash crunch hits Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Delta, Plateau, Jigawa, Osun

    • CBN blames uneven cash flow, huge withdrawal ahead festivities

    Some states are experiencing cash crunch as the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) no longer dispense money and banks ration cash withdrawal Over The Counter (OTC) by depositors.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) blamed the situation on ‘uneven cash flow and huge withdrawal by depositors ahead of the festivities.

    Many Nigerians in some of the states already hit by the cash crunch expressed frustrations in accessing cash.

    Some of the states already hit by the cash crunch, with commercial and other business activities experiencing some hitches, include Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Delta, Plateau, Jigawa and Osun among others.

    In Plateau State, commercial banks were experiencing acute scarcity of cash, development that took a toll on business activities.

    The Nation learnt that banks rationed cash to customers OTC in the banking hall. The ATMs were programmed to dispense limited cash. The queues were long.

    Read Also; ECOWAS Court orders Benin Republic to pay Igboho CFA 20m for unlawful detention

    In some of the banks within the Jos metropolis, only few ATMs dispensed cash. The others were deactivated because they were not loaded with cash.

    The situation was, however, different in Katsina, the capital of Katsina State and other urban towns, where businesses continued without glitches.

    The N1000 and N500 notes were in circulation,

    In Dutse, Jigawa State, customers making bulk withdrawals from their banks had harrowing tales as commercial banks in the state cut the amount of cash paid they gave to their customers to a maximum of N20, 000.

    Residents of Ilorin and environs in Kwara State were also hit by the cash crunch due to failure of commercial banks to load their ATMs with cash.

    Investigations by our correspondent revealed that some of the banks within the Ilorin metropolis that had cash in their ATMs pegged the amount collectable at between N5000 and N10, 000.  OTC withdrawals ranged between N10, 000 and N50, 000.

    Residents of Warri, Effurun and environs in Delta State, also expressed concerns over the stress they went through to access cash.

    It was learnt that the cash squeeze in these areas had been on for over a month, arising from the failure of banks to facilitate adequate cash withdrawals.

    A PoS operator at the popular Robinson Plaza, off Deco Road, Warri South Local Government Area, said several operators had resorted to buying cash from traders to keep doing their businesses because banks have been issuing little or no cash.

    In Akure, the Ondo State capital, residents found it difficult accessing their money in commercial banks in the state. OTC maximum withdrawal was N20, 000.

    There were no cash available in many ATMs visited in Akure. The few ones that dispensed cash could only get N20, 000

    Osun State residents also groaned as PoS agents hiked withdrawal charges by 50 per cent.

    Bank customers in Benin, Edo State also groan over the cash crunch.

    Our reporter gathered yesterday in Benin that most of the crowded banks paid only N10, 000 to customers OTC.  In Lagos State, banks commenced cash rationing for customers as the lenders contended with scarcity of both old and new naira notes.

    Cash rationing had worsened in the past few days as customers found it difficult to access the required volume of cash for their daily expenditure.

    Customers of some commercial banks in Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos branches of banks complained that lenders were not meeting their cash needs.

    Customers could only make N10, 000 cash withdrawals from ATMs and N20, 000 from the banking halls of banks’ branches.

    But in Anambra, Ogun, Bayelsa, Niger, Akwa-Ibom and Benue states, banks attended to customers without conditions.

    Reacting to the cash crunch, the CBN put the blame on the doorstep of customers’ withdrawal patterns and the Supreme Court ruling.

    Speaking to The Nation, a CBN official from the Currency Operations Department, explained that the current situation was primarily driven by two key factors namely, the uneven cash flow dynamics and the uncertainty over old naira notes.

    According to the official, “during the festive season, individuals and businesses tend to withdraw large sums of money for holiday expenses, placing a strain on the banking system’s ability to meet the surging demand for cash.”

    He said those rushing to have access to cash were still unaware of the latest Supreme Court verdict that the old and new notes remain legal tender indefinitely.

    The CBN official said the apex bank was working closely with commercial banks to ensure adequate cash circulation.

    He urged the public to play their part by depositing more money and utilising digital payment options.

  • Edo 2024 governorship race: ‘Why there will be no zoning in APC’

    Edo 2024 governorship race: ‘Why there will be no zoning in APC’

    • Best candidate to fly party’s flag, says secretary

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has said there will be no zoning for the best candidate to fly the party’s flag in the governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.

    Edo Publicity Secretary of APC, Peter Uwadia-Igbinigie, addressing reporters yesterday in Benin, noted that governorship aspirants from the three senatorial districts of Edo were free to vie.

    Uwadia-Igbinigie said: “There is no zoning in Edo APC for the 2024 governorship race. Nobody from any of the three senatorial districts has been discouraged or barred from contesting in the governorship primary election, provided the person has met the requisite qualifying conditions, set out in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act 2022 and other subsidiary laws.

    Read Also: No zoning in APC for Edo 2024 Gov race

    “Our leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, is not against any of the three senatorial districts producing the standard-bearer of APC for the 2024 election.

    “Any member of APC in Edo is at liberty to contest for the exalted position of the governor. Senator Oshiomhole is positively disposed to a transparent party primary election, as an advocate of one man, one vote, for the best candidate to emerge.”

    He urged governorship aspirants on the party’s platform to go about their campaigns in the most dignifying manner.

  • Video clarifies Edo Gov aspirant Ighodalo’s interpreter report

    Video clarifies Edo Gov aspirant Ighodalo’s interpreter report

    A video has emerged clarifying what and how an aspirant for the off season Edo governorship election, Asue Ighodalo conveyed his message in his Esan home. 

    In the video, he said he is a true Edo son and contributed immensely to the growth of democracy since its inception in Nigeria. 

    Ighodalo is contesting under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A video on X by a PDP chieftain, Anthony Ehilebo, seemed to contradict report alleging that the aspirant hired an interpreter to speak to his people.

    The video seen by our correspondent has no interpreter as reported.Ighodalo was only seen in the video addressing the media on how grounded he was in Edo and Nigeria’s politics.

    In a typical Edo accent in the video, he said he had been doing things in Esanland. 

    Revealing his house which stood behind him in the village, he said he had done a lot of work with different governments with regards to the economy of the State. 

    He said: “I do things in Esanland. But it is only that we are not noisy. My brother is here, I am here, my parents were here. I am a true Esan boy. I am not going to use home boy, because they have used it badly. I am an Esan Boy.”

    Read Also: APC zonal organising secretary, Agbomhere joins Edo governorship race

    Recalling his contributions to the development of the State since 2008, he said: “I am a true Esan boy. I am a true Edo boy. I am a true Nigerian. That is what I am. Since 2008, I have been in the economic team of the state, starting from the administration of Comrade Governor (Adams) Oshiomhole. Since Godwin Obaseki came in as Chairman, Economic Team, I have been coming to Edo State to support and advise the government.

    “I have been advising since 2008, which is 15 years ago, which means that I came into Edo State, five, six, so many times a year for government business, not to talk about my own business. So, people can say what they like. Because we are not noisy, and because we are not jumping from one ‘mama put’ to another, does not mean am not a true Edo boy.

    “This issue of an Edo boy, this issue of a true son of the soil is in the heart. There are many of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora who are more Edo than many of them who live here. So it is in the heart, it is what you do in your heart, it is not how many pepper soup joints you go. So, all those of us in the diaspora, those of us in the diaspora in Nigeria, diaspora abroad, all the best hands must come to develop Edo State.

    “Someone cannot sit in the village or in ‘mama put’ and say the rest of us cannot come and develop our state. It is not done. We must all come together and develop Edo State, plus the people in ‘mama put,’ plus the people in Canada, we must come together and develop Edo.” State.”

    Sharing the video, Ehilebo wrote: “So people.. They will tell you Asue Ighodalo has no home in Esan..

    “Ladies and gentlemen, hear from him directly…

    “No be them say them say…

    I am at home with my people…”

    The video has already generated over 400 comments with the Diaspora vowing to rally support for the aspirant.

    Watch video here: 

  • Edo 2024: Obaseki’s anointed aspirant, Ighodalo hires interpreter to address kinsmen

    Edo 2024: Obaseki’s anointed aspirant, Ighodalo hires interpreter to address kinsmen

    Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki’s anointed governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo hired an interpreter to address his Esan kinsmen.

    Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, hails from Ewohimi, Esan Southeast Local Government Area in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo state.

    He was at his ward in his hometown, according to a viral video, but he could not speak Esan language, while he still described himself as a true Esan boy.

    He said: “I do things in Esanland, because we are not noisy. My brother is here, I am here, my parents were here. I am a true Esan boy. I am not going to use home boy, because they have used it badly. I am an Esan Boy.

    “I am a true Esan boy. I am a true Edo boy. I am a true Nigerian. That is what I am. Since 2008, I have been in the economic team of the state, starting from the administration of Comrade Governor (Adams) Oshiomhole. Since Godwin Obaseki came in as Chairman, Economic Team, I have been coming to Edo State to support and advise the government.

    “I have been advising since 2008, which is 15 years ago, which means that I came into Edo State, five, six, so many times a year for government business, not to talk about my own business. So, people can say what they like. Because we are not noisy, and because we are not jumping from one ‘mama put’ to another, does not mean am not a true Edo boy.

    Read Also: Shaibu thanks Obaseki on surprise birthday message

    “This issue of an Edo boy, this issue of a true son of the soil is in the heart. There are many of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora who are more Edo than many of them who live here. So it is in the heart, it is what you do in your heart, it is not how many pepper soup joints you go. So, all those of us in the diaspora, those of us in the diaspora in Nigeria, diaspora abroad, all the best hands must come to develop Edo State.

    “Someone cannot sit in the village or in ‘mama put’ and say the rest of us cannot come and develop our state. It is not done. We must all come together and develop Edo State, plus the people in ‘mama put,’ plus the people in Canada, we must come together and develop Edo State.”

    Senator Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, also a governorship aspirant on PDP’s platform, hail from Edo North senatorial district, while Obaseki is an indigene of Benin in Edo South senatorial district.

    Edo governor is backing Ighodalo in order to ensure justice, equity and fairness, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election, in order for the Lagos lawyer to succeed him on November 12 next year.

  • Group urges Agbomhere to join Edo governorship race

    Group urges Agbomhere to join Edo governorship race

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Edo state chapter has called on the South – South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere to join the race for the party’s ticket for the governorship election in the state.

    The group made its position known after a joint meeting where it x-rayed the contributions of Agbomhere in the performance of the APC in the 2023 Presidential, National and State Assembly Elections.

    In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Richard Uwaifo, the group stated that the “young and energetic Agbomhere has the required academic capacity and track records to bring Edo state back on track” after what it described as the “seven years of the tyrannical, visionless and purposeless administration of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.”

    Read Also: We’ll transform Edo into Nigeria’s entertainment, creative hub – Obaseki

    The group also resolved that Edo state required a candidate with good education, innovative and creative leadership charisma to showcase Edo state in all spheres – attributes they say are inherent in Agbomhere.

    It hailed the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for setting Edo state on the path of economic prosperity and decent governance through massive infrastructural development and human capital development.

    It however lamented that the “trajectory was cut short by the advent of the Obaseki – Shuaibu administration.”

    It added that Edo people will accept and receive Agbomhere “with open hands knowing that he is the finest material to rebuild the state.”

  • Wheelbarrow pusher kills Edo revenue collector, commits suicide

    Wheelbarrow pusher kills Edo revenue collector, commits suicide

    It was double tragedy in Benin City yesterday as a wheelbarrow pusher killed a revenue collector with Oredo Local Government Council and immediately committed suicide.

    The incident occurred on Mission Road in the Edo State capital

    It was learnt that the revenue collector kicked the wheelbarrow pusher over his inability to pay the N50 daily levy while the angry wheelbarrow pusher suddenly drew a knife that was strapped to his waist and stabbed the revenue collector in the stomach.

    Read Also: Ondo political crisis and Abuja Accord

    While the victim bled to death from the incident, the wheelbarrow pusher also stabbed himself in the neck and died.

    Policemen from Oba Market Division in Benin were informed, and they later evacuated the bodies to an undisclosed morgue.

    The Public Relations Officer of Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident on the phone.

  • Ex-Edo speaker, Okosun joins governorship race

    Ex-Edo speaker, Okosun joins governorship race

    Former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Thomas Okosun has signified his intention to contest the next governorship election in the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Okosun made his intention public on Thursday, November 30, when he paid an official visit to members of the State Executive Committee of the APC at the party’s Airport Road secretariat in Benin City.

    According to a statement by his campaign team, Okosun addressed party leaders and others present, during which he expressed his determination to rescue Edo from the hands of the ruling party and steer the state towards meaningful development.

    The statement read: “His bold declaration has become a turning point in Edo’s political landscape, sparking passion among the people and setting the stage for a dynamic electoral season.

    “The atmosphere was not only electrifying but also brimming with optimism for the future of Edo State.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Shaibu declares for Edo 2024, vows ‘nobody can stop me’

    “Okosun’s unwavering determination and visionary outlook have indeed initiated a new and promising chapter in Edo State’s history.

    “Okosun, through his inspiring address, has motivated and united the people of Edo around a shared dream of progress.

    “As the sun set on this historic day, the promise of a brighter tomorrow under Okosun’s leadership left the people inspired, motivated, and filled with hope for positive change. He also assured

    “His emphasis on good governance, especially in these critical times in Nigeria, signals a commitment to steering Edo State towards a path of growth and prosperity.”

  • Edo PDP governorship primary process in shaky start

    Edo PDP governorship primary process in shaky start

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Edo State began yesterday on a shaky note.

    A meeting called by the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party in Benin City, the state capital, was boycotted by those loyal to the National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), Chief Dan Orbih.

    The Orbih followers – members of the Legacy Coalition in Edo State chapter of the PDP – allegedly stayed away to protest how the chapter was being managed  in the Southsouth state.

    Apart from protest by the camp loyal to Orbih, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, at loggerheads.

    Yesterday,  the governor said the party will determine the fate of Shaibu and others jostling to succeed him.

    Obaseki spoke in Bauchi, Bauchi State, when he and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Umo Eno, paid a congratulatory visit to Governor Bala Mohammed on his victory at the Court of Appeal.

    In Edo, the crisis rocking the party deepened with the State Secretary, Hilary Otsu, disowning the purported SEC meeting and warning members to stay away.

    Otsu said: “Dear Edo PDP leaders, it has come to my notice that a certain notice of meeting has been sent to leaders of our party. Kindly note that the constitution of PDP empowers only the secretary to call meetings.

    “The purported notice, carrying an unverifiable printed signature is being circulated by mischief makers, who intend to cause confusion and further divide the party.

    “I have not abdicated my responsibilities to the party. So, I advise you to ignore this invite, as the party will not take kindly to such act of sabotage, going forward.”

    Another group within the party, believed be loyal to the governor, said it had launched a membership drive.

    In a statement, the State Assistant Secretary, Luckson Ogedegbe, said the party commenced registration of new members yesterday.

    It directed the State Working Committee (SWC) of PDP to drive the timetable for the 2024 governorship primary.

    Ogedegbe said the decision was taken at a meeting of leaders of the party across the state, which he claimed had 89 of the 120 expected members.

    Read Also: Tinubu committed to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, says Shettima

    Claiming that key decisions were taken during deliberations on issues affecting Edo PDP, he said: “The SEC mandated the SWC to drive the time table of the coming governorship primary, as released by PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    “The SEC mandated all ward chairmen to open the party’s registers in their various wards, and commence the registration of new members, starting November 30, 2023.

    “The SEC mandated the SWC to direct any ward where registration does not start by Friday, December 1, 2023 to open a new register.

    “The SEC directed that all ward registers must be submitted to Edo State secretariat of PDP at 59, Airport Road, Benin City, not later than December 6, 2023, for onward submission to the national headquarters of the party in Abuja.

    “The SEC directed that all activities of the party must be carried out in the various ward secretariats of PDP in Edo.”

    Ogedegbe also disclosed that the SEC of the party directed the SWC to set up committees in the local government areas and wards to monitor the party’s registration.

    Obaseki: PDP will decide my deputy’s fate

    Obaseki, who spoke on his deputy’ declaration to succeed him in office, said PDP will determine Shaibu’s fate and others jostling to run for September 21, 2024 Edo governorship poll.

    Obaseki insisted that only the PDP has the sole right to determine its candidate.

    Describing his relationship with his deputy as cordial, Obaseki said: “He wants to run for the office and he is free to do so and you know as a Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to run and nobody can or should stop him.

    “The party will decide and also the members of the party will decide who will fly the flag of our party in the forthcoming general election in Edo.

    “I’m only one out of the millions party members in Edo and I don’t think my vote would determine whether he becomes the flag bearer or not.”

    Obaseki said the visit to Bauchi was to also discuss some pertinent issues relating to the PDP Governors’ Forum and other matters affecting the country.

  • Edo poll, APC and zoning

    Edo poll, APC and zoning

    • By Festus Okhiria

    Zoning or rotation of political offices – especially the position of the President or Governor – has shaped the fortunes – for good or ill – of political parties in Nigeria since the return of democracy in the country in 1999.

      This has accentuated the ethnic, tribal and religious fault lines even in seemingly homogeneous states within the heterogeneous and unwieldy Federation of Nigeria.

      Like never before since the advent of the Fourth Republic, the hydra-headed monster of zoning is shaping the colour, content and tenor of the 2024 Governorship in Edo State, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out its timetable for the election that will hold on September 21, 2024.

      On paper, Edo State is homogeneous in language, culture and tradition. However, the constitutional division of the state into three senatorial districts – majorly along geographic and tribal affinity – has thrown a wrench in the oneness of the people, who now see themselves as distinct entities, willing to do anything to protect their political rights within the system.

      In Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was in power between 2008 and 2016, handed over power to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) literally on a platter of gold in 2020 through infighting. Thus, the auguries for a return to power in 2024 may be bleak if the APC gambles with the zoning of the governorship seat based on mundane reasons that will not deliver for the party the required number of votes to re-occupy the Dennis Osadebey Avenue Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital city.

    Issue of ‘marginalisation’ of Esan people

      Evaluating the past tenures of the highest political office in the state amongst the three senatorial districts, the Benin-speaking people of Edo South would have occupied the governorship for 16 years, from 1999 to November 2024, while the Afemai-speaking people of Edo North have enjoyed that privilege for eight years, from 2008 to 2016, and the Esan people of Edo Central for one year and seven months, from 2007 to 2008.

      These figures tend to give the impression that Edo Central has been seriously marginalised in the political equation, but this is not true. If we go further back in history, we will discover that the Edo South people, despite their huge population, appear to have consciously or unconsciously conceded political leadership to the other senatorial districts, which are smaller than them in population and voting strength.

      Edo State was previously part of the old Midwestern Region and Bendel State. Remarkably, despite their relatively small number, the Esan people of Edo Central have played leading roles in the politics of the state.

      Chief Anthony Enarhoro, for example, played a very prominent role in the Midwest and national politics, and was reputed to have moved the first motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953.

      Chief Anthony Anenih, until his demise recently, was an enigma and the de facto political leader in the state and at national level, who ensured that most of the federal ministers, including himself, Dr Joseph Itotoh, Senator Magnus Odion Ugbesia, and Arch. Mike Onolememen, came from Edo Central.

      Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli was elected as the first civilian Executive Governor of Bendel State in 1979 (and ruled till 1983), and got substantial votes from the people of Edo South and Edo North.   Ironically, even in Edo Central where the Esan hold sway, the people of the defunct Agbazilo in Esan North East and Esan South East are complaining of marginalisation in the senatorial district.

      They allege that the two governors produced from Edo Central – Prof. Alli and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (2007-2008) – came from the same town of Ekpoma in the old Okpebholo axis comprising of Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben, and any future governor should come from Agbazilo. Therefore, the Esan people, cannot in all fairness, talk about marginalisation.

    ‘Marginalisation’ complaints from other districts

      Edo South is not excluded in these lamentations, as the people have complained that with over 50 per cent of the landmass and population of Edo State, allocating only seven of the 18 local government areas to the South is the height of marginalisation. 

       For instance, Orhionmwon Local Government Area in Edo South has the largest landmass in the state. It is a major oil-producing area and also has the largest gas reserves in the country. But the area has never produced a governor, a senator or a minister.

      Ditto for the people of Owan (Owan East and Owan West) and Akoko-Edo from Edo North, who can rightly claim to be politically-marginalised, as they have never produced a governor, a minister or had a leader in the state.

      These complaints and cries – as petty as they might sound – are genuine and borne out of the glaring neglect of some areas in the scheme of things in Edo State. While the complaints cannot be ignored, deliberate and concrete efforts should be made by the political class to address them.

    The APC zoning as ‘Ides of March’

      As the hustle for who gets the governorship ticket in Edo State in 2024 intensifies, the APC, which is in opposition since 2020, must dispassionately consider all the options and choose a strategy that will give it victory.

      Zoning the governorship to a particular senatorial district will not work. It has not been done before, and there is no basis to do it now, particularly when the party is in opposition.

      Again, the agitation for zoning is founded on misleading and distorted information that will boomerang and cause disaffection. A winning strategy will be to boldly declare the contest open and encourage people with appeal, competence and character to contest.

      A former Edo State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, spoke recently on why the APC should avoid zoning for Edo 2024 governorship. 

      His words: “When Edo people line up to cast vote for the candidates of their choice in next year’s governorship poll, there will be no second chance. And precisely for that reason, the APC needs to avoid the temptation of zoning in the forthcoming primaries.

      “The temptation to zone the office to a particular senatorial district should be avoided because APC needs to put its best foot forward. Merit and statewide acceptability of an individual should take precedence over ethnicity and sentiments in the selection of its candidate and flag bearer.

      “Expectedly, the primaries will be contentious and divisive. The ability of the leadership of the APC to manage the resultant acrimony and discontent from the losers will determine, to a large extent, the electoral fortunes of the party at the forthcoming election.

      “There would be the need to proactively manage and harness the very large pool of human and material resources available (in the APC), in order that the inbuilt advantages can be properly harvested.”

      The APC should not underestimate the strength of the PDP or Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming  election. Although the PDP is enmeshed in internal conflict, its control of the state government and resources, gives it obvious advantages that cannot be overlooked. If the party is able to resolve it’s internal issues, it would be a formidable platform to contend with.

      The LP proved itself in the presidential election and won Edo State. It has the Senator from Edo South, and two House of Representatives members from the most populous constituencies of Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha. If the party nominates a candidate from Edo South for the governorship poll, as being speculated, it might pull an upset or repeat what it did in the presidential election of February 25.

      The  APC  should nominate a candidate with name recognition or “street appeal,” who will be able to win or divide Edo South votes in the event that LP fields a Benin man. With expected massive votes from Edo North – a stronghold of the APC leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole – such a candidate of the APC will triumph.

      The APC aspirants from Edo North should be appealed to, and appeased to drop their ambition for now. The newly-appointed Minister of Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, is a seasoned politician from Edo North. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, an illustrious son of Edo State of the Owan extraction from Edo North, is the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives.

      Hon. Peter Akpatason, from Akoko-Edo in Edo North, is a ranking member in the House of Representatives. Against this backdrop, one can confidently say that Edo North is safe for APC.

    Edo South holds the ace for APC poll victory

      Edo South and Central should therefore be the strategic location for an APC governorship candidate. Historically, Edo Central has always been PDP, and if PDP picks a governorship candidate from that area, they will likely defeat an APC candidate from there.

      The current Senator from Edo Central, Monday Okpebholo of the APC, won in February 2023 because majority of members of the PDP in the district rejected the third-term bid of his predecessor, Senator Clifford Ordia, who was imposed on them by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Read Also: Avert possible breakdown of law and order in Edo now, Reps task NSA, police

       Edo South remains the best choice for a winning candidate, as attested to by a cursory look at those who have presented themselves as worthy for Governor.

      The list includes: Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Retd), a former governorship candidate of the PDP; Chief Lucky Imasuen, a former deputy governor of Edo State; Hon. EJ Agbonayima, a former member of the House of Representatives; and Hon. Saturday Uwulekue, a former member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

      Others are: Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of the APC in the September 2020 election; Mr Matthew Uroghide, immediate past Senator from Edo South; Hon. Dennis Idahosa, a current member of the House of Representatives; and Dr Washington Osifo, a former commissioner in the state.

      An in-depth analysis of these aspirants will reveal that there are indeed sellable ones, who can win the election if fully backed and supported by the APC.

      Gen. Airhiavbere has previously contested for the governorship, and has a deep pocket, but lacks a strong political followership to swing votes in his favour.

      Chief Imasuen is well-respected, but he was demystified when he lost his bid to be the Edo South senatorial candidate in the 2023 General Election.  Hon. Agbonayima is a flamboyant politician but relatively unknown politically in Edo Central and North; Hon. Uwulekue is well-known in his Orhionmwon local government area but not regarded as a serious contender for the 2024 governorship.

      Pastor Ize-Iyamu is today unarguably the most popular politician in Edo State after Comrade Oshiomhole.   He has political followers that cut across the three senatorial districts of the state but he has been unlucky twice at the governorship.

       Senator Urhoghide faces headwinds as he recently returned to the APC after losing the PDP Edo South senatorial ticket for a third term in the National Assembly (NASS); Hon. Idahosa is a second term member in the House of Representatives, but has cAredibility problems with his past record abroad, and is little known outside his constituency.   For Dr. Osifo, who recently lost in his bid to go to the House of Representatives, his appearance at the screening for Edo Central aspirants is regarded as abnormal, as he is not from the senatorial district, thus making his bid for the governorship a mystery.  The APC has not released the guidelines for the governorship contest, so it might be premature to know all the aspirants or decide which among them will best fly its flag.   The party should, however, eschew sentiments and choose the aspirant that has the best chance of winning in 2024. Edo people want a homeboy, who is well-known to them and can be trusted with governance. APC must make the right choice.

    • Okhiria,  a commentator, wrote from Ekpoma, Edo State