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Tag: Odubu

  • Odubu, Shaibu hail exercise

    Odubu, Shaibu hail exercise

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after casting his vote and expressed hope for a successful election.

    He said INEC officials arrived at his polling unit as early as 6am, with electoral materials and that voting commenced at 8am. He voted at unit 4 of Urhonigbe South at 10:15am.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship running mate to Godwin Obaseki, Hon. Philip Shaibu, also expressed satisfaction about the processes of the election, after voting at his polling unit at 9:00am.

    Shaibu voted in unit 11 in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area.  He said materials arrived before 8am.

  • Oyegun, Odubu, Osunbor, Ogiemwonyi et al

    Oyegun, Odubu, Osunbor, Ogiemwonyi et al

    I owe a duty to them – the above named icons – among others, who shamed our political detractors – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, that we are not as divided as they seem – truth and unity.

    Those soothing words that flowed freely from the National Chairman of the ruling party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and healed all broken hearts resulting from the primary elections that sprang Mr. Godwin Obaseki up as the party’s standard-bearer for the Edo 2016 governorship election is worth the while – Balm.

    Oyegun knew the PDP is petrified but to slay the ‘dragon’ completely, he called on all aspirants, party leaders, stakeholders and teeming members of “our great Party to close ranks and unite as a strong political fighting force behind the candidature of Mr. Godwin Obaseki for a landslide victory at the forthcoming Edo State governorship election”.

    “The request by the aspirants”, according to Oyegun, was that the Edo State APC governorship election primaries should be transparent, free, fair and credible. This, the Party achieved creditably during the primaries. Going forward, we should avoid triumphalist actions and avoid creating new stresses within the party. We should all seek to reunify the Party to face the September 10, 2016, governorship election – this is leadership.

    As if that was all, one man who displayed the calm courage borne of faith in the party that I pray every day to have, if I ever found myself in trying times is Dr. Pius Odubu – the Deputy Governor in the State of Edo. I recommend that all persons of goodwill, regardless of religion and party lining, will have him as a book and learn from his grace – it’s not easy – his action, for the opposition PDP is thumb-biting.

    For example, hear this quotable quote, “Yesterday belongs to the past, and we have decided to put the past behind us. Today is another day” – Isn’t this food for thought from a great mind? In other climes, this quotation is hurriedly documented, perhaps, tweeted across the globe – gone viral – as the philosophy of an African great mind – not around here!

    He wouldn’t stop there – not until he bounded himself and his die-hard followers to the Godwin Obaseki project by reaffirming his commitment to this party (APC) and to its victory at all elections and this was in the presence of “my father here and everybody here present”. Only a devout Christian, who knows that portion of the Holy writ will go to this length – “in the presence of two or three witnesses, every words shall be established” – sorry, I forgot he is also a lawyer!

    Bluntly and helpfully committed to the success of the election – hear Odubu, “We will work even harder than we have ever worked, because anybody who has occupied any office like a proud father will want to leave a successor behind. We want to leave with our party (APC) remaining in government.” Isn’t this blind hatred against the PDP exhibited by the Okakuo of the Universe?

    But what remaineth of me to say now, than to agree, “It’s over for PDP”! However, there is an icing on the cake – wait. Listen to this – and guess who? Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi just entered. You know him?

    He took his own to the world – the marketplace – a man assembled journalists, in the form of a World Press Conference, with his supporters at his campaign office – without an empty seat said, “as a man who believes in the unity of the party, he has told his supporters that they should not leave the party because it was a house they jointly built”.

    He pledged himself, after taking a short holidays, to join the Godwin Obaseki Campaign team because, his vision for Edo State is that “we should take advantage to be in alignment with the party with the government at the centre, we should, therefore, remain to have the benefit of the party at the centre and the party at the state level.” Isn’t this the spirit?

    Thank you, “most-accomplished-Engineer”, for being a party man. I know APC will make it because of experience men like the former Minister – including all the party aspirants – Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, Comrade Peter Esele, Chief Blessing Aigbomhere, Prof. Amadasun Ebegue, Mr. Austin Emuan among others who have, out of great commitment shown to the world, the meaning of perseverance, character, hope and unity.

    Added, you would notice, that when the fire raged-on, these men never flinched and did not react recklessly – they showed incredible restraint because it wasn’t about Comrade Adams Oshiomhole or Mr. Godwin Obaseki but, it was about the party.

    Now, the party can say, that aftermath of the primaries and as we go into the campaigns and elections, we’ve seen Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Dr. Pius Odubu, Godwin Obaseki, Anselm Ojesua, the state party executives, the aspirants – with different backgrounds, working not just to restore order and support to strengthen the party, but working together to unify a party with strength and grace and wisdom.

    These men, the APC-led State government – this is the party I know. And for Oshiomhole who re-called all those whose appointments were terminated for one reason or the other, I commend your spirit of leadership. And today, I see in the APC audience, men who have a mind of their own and who protested on behalf of their belief and yet, accommodated by a Governor who doubles as a Comrade with a big-heart. In this party therefore, I see impossibility’s possibility.

    The task ahead, among others, is that we must keep the opposition in continual check and at all costs and do so without causing any political blow-back or inconvenience to ourselves; don’t make a mistake that might disturb our own peace of mind and then, we feign surprise when periodically the tension boils over.

    The opposition knows the truth – about the APC-led government’s achievements – they’ve been true for a long time. We know it just as the PDP. The electorates, you know it. We know what Oshiomhole met on ground in 2007 and what it is today but some pretend as if there’s no context – these things we know to be true.

    And if we cannot even talk about these things, if we cannot talk honestly and openly, not just in the comfort of our own circles, with those who have the “Simple Agenda” and bring a different perspective because they are in the dark-opposition, then we will never break this dangerous circle of under-development they are wont to plunge us.

    Without taking too much of your time – let me say once more, that the actions of the above icons have left the PDP and its chieftains in a zombie-like haze, the one I normally describe as ‘political anxiety disorder’ – paranoia, and hallucinations, fainting and overtime – political damage.

  • Oshiomhole, Odubu join forces for Obaseki

    Oshiomhole, Odubu join forces for Obaseki

    … Governor, deputy reconcile

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, have resolved their differences and vowed to work for the victory of Mr Godwin Obaseki during the election.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC at the Government House, Benin City, yesterday,  the governor said the APC family was united, in spite of reports of cracks in the party.

    He said: “We called this meeting basically to reaffirm the oneness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) family. The deputy governor and I have worked together as deputy and governor for seven and half years, and we have struggled together as candidate and running mate from 2007; we worked together, dined together, socialized together.”

    Oshiomhole added: “As part of my own atonement, and to demonstrate my commitment to our friendship and our conviviality, which characterize our working together for the past seven and half years or even nine years, some of the people who were affected in the course of this contestation, I have decided to re-engage, to reinstate them to their former positions wherever that was possible and even to get their remuneration restored as if they were never removed.”

    Odubu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying that he will campaign for Obaseki.

    He said: “Yesterday belongs to the past, and we have decided to put the past behind us. Today is another day, and I want to in the presence of my father here and everybody here present reaffirm my commitment to this party APC and to its victory at all elections.

    “We will work even harder than we have ever worked, because anybody who has occupied any office like a proud father will want to leave a successor behind. We want to leave with our party APC remaining in government.”

  • Supporters flay Odubu for not challenging outcome of primary

    Supporters flay Odubu for not challenging outcome of primary

    THE Edo State deputy governor and former governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, Dr. Pius Odubu, has come under attack from his supporters for not challenging the outcome of the exercise alongside his other two colleagues, Kenneth Imansuagbon and Chris Ogiemwonyi.

    According to a source privy to the meeting of all his coordinators, Odubu’s attempt to pacify his supporters to show understanding in the circumstance fell on deaf ears. The supporters said it was public knowledge that the exercise was manipulated in favour of Godwin Obaseki. They have vowed not to have anything to do with the result, unless the conduct of the exercise was thoroughly investigated.

    Odubu’s supporters also complained about the arrogant manner with which the Obaseki group has been conducting themselves since the primary took place, saying that it does not show that they are ready to close ranks with the followers of other aspirants who lost at the contest.

    The Odubu camp has remained silent since the primary. But, according to insiders, this does not mean that it can be taken for granted. The position of the group is that, unless something is done to pacify its members, it will not to accept the outcome of the primary.

    Odubu is at crossroads at the moment, as his efforts to convince his followers have not yielded the desired result.

  • Obaseki meets Odubu, others

    Obaseki meets Odubu, others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship Candidate in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has kicked off a reconciliation move, ahead of the September 10 election.

    Obaseki, Osarodion Ogie, the Directo-General of the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation, and some APC leaders were in the private home of Dr. Pius Odubu to mend fences.

    At the reconciliation meeting, the deputy governor told Obaseki and the party leaders that he will not leave the party.

    Odubu said that, as a true party man, he is ready to work for the party and its candidate.

    The aspirant, who came second at the primary, said what is paramount now is ensuring victory for the party and its candidate.

    Odubu however, advised Obaseki and the party leaders to quickly move to reconciled aggrieved party members, especially the victimised ones.

    Obaseki and Osarodion Ogie thanked the deputy governor for his maturity and promised to adhere to his advise.

    Another team comprising the State Working Committee members and Governor Adams Oshiomhole is billed to meet with the deputy governor.

  • Obaseki wins APC primary, beat Odubu with 1,618 votes

    Obaseki wins APC primary, beat Odubu with 1,618 votes

    Edo state All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday elected Mr Godwin Obaseki as its governorship candidate for the September 10 governorship election. The Chairman of the Economic Management Team defeated 11 others at the contest.

    Announcing the result, The Chairman of the Election Committee, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina, said Obaseki polled 1,618 delegates vote to defeat Governor Adams Oshiomhole deputy, Pius Odubu, who scored 471 votes, Kenneth Imansuagbon 247, former minister of state for works, Chris Ogiemwonyi 137, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) 11 votes, Blessing Agbonmeire five votes, Professor Frederick Amadausn eight votes,  Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula 10 votes, Peter Esele eight votes, Austin Emuan four votes Professor Osarheimen Osunbor nine votes and Mrs Tina Agbarha three votes.

    Esele commended the excercise and urged his supporters to work for the success of the party in the election.

    “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. This is also to give my support and good wishes for Mr G. Noghaghase Obaseki on his victory as our party flag bearer. Let us all join hands to support him in the general election”

    Oshiomhole described the exercise as credible and that it is an entrenchment of the democratic principle of one man one vote.

    “Having monitored and watched everything that has happened here. We are celebrating democracy, Edo is leading is leaving by example if you compare what has happened in some other places, obviously, this is an outstanding achievement. You will remember that this is where we launched one man one vote and what we have demonstrated today is a case of one man one vote and I am glad that the delegates won, the delegates have spoken, now the party should be more united now, we are ready to hit the ground running for the campaigns and God willing by September 10 I am sure Edo people will re-affirm the bond between them the APC.

    “Every aspirant got recognition by the delegates; at least nobody went home without any vote. Like the chairman of the organising committee said, everybody won. Like i said, if you have 12 angels on parade and if you want to select    one, we have selected a candidate we all now have to work together which is something we understand from the beginning I believe everybody who contested understood, they now have to work together to deliver the ticket and I think that would not be a problem.”

    On the winner, Oshiomhole said: “If you listen to the speech of the candidate, the guy is sound, he is at home with the issues, he is not a stranger to governance for seven and a half years he has been part of the system in the brain box there is no space for learning, the guy is already ready to go hot the ground leaning. For me I feel fulfilled but you know in Nigeria, people are always in a hurry to throw mud, the way the thing has gone, I am the media has shown it live and I am that Nigerians wherever they are in a position”

    On the Spetember 10 contest with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which holds its primaries today (Monday), oshiomhole said   “There is no PDP, which of the factions are we going to face, you have one body, several heads even when they were potent, we defeated them so there is no cause for concern, we will go for the election, there are other parties in the state, PDP will not be an issue and I don’t think Edo people will forget the crime of PDP in a hurry not for the next 20 years in this state.”

    In his acceptance speech, Obaseki  said: “Today is a great day for our democracy and for our party the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is a great day for development in Edo State. Today, we have commenced another phase in our journey into our brighter future. A future which will define us as as a modern and progressive state where every citizen is empowered with opportunities to live life to its fullness.

    “I am indeed humbled by this nomination and will like to state that this is our collective victory and thank you all. This is only the beginning.

    “The challenge is for us, to take the contest to the next level. As a party we must continue to work as a team to deliver victory at the September 10 Governorship election. And let me assure you that we will win.

    “The administration of the Comrade Governor came on the heels of decades of mismanagement, unproductive and failed policies, all shrouded in excuses by the PDP past government. But in the face of these challenges, the administration dared to envision an Edo state that will become a leading economic centre in Nigeria where the people live in dignity, powered by a Government that is responsive to their needs. Today, we are proud that Edo stands out as a success story. We will build on That success and continue to live up to the metaphor of our state – The heart beat of Nigeria.”

  • Odubu, Imasuagbon, Agbonmhere shun meeting with Oshiomhole

    Odubu, Imasuagbon, Agbonmhere shun meeting with Oshiomhole

    Edo State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, who is also a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday shunned a meeting with Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Other aspirants who shunned the meeting include Blessing Agbomhere, Kenneth Imasuagbon, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and Austin Emuan.

    Agbomhere said that they decided to shun the meeting because there was nothing new they expected to hear from Oshiomhole.

    The seven aspirants that attended the meeting are: Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), Comrade Peter Esele, Prof Ebegue Amadasun, Mrs. Tina Agbara and Hon. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula.

    Oshiomhole expressed regret over the delay in the release of the delegate’s list by the national headquarters of the APC.

    Oshiomhole said it is worrisome that some aspirants are more vicious in their approach to the intra-party contest, rather than focusing on their campaign.

    The governor noted that enemies of the APC should not be allowed to infiltrate their ranks and create tension, such that it would be difficult to work together.

    His words: “We all need to work together. I want to be able to go out with any candidate to campaign. I want to be able to give support.

    “My plea is let’s maintain our friendship. Let’s not scandalise ourselves. I tell them that what we do in the APC is service delivery and that infrastructural development is a way of life in our party. That explains why even six months or less than six months to the end of my tenure, we are still flagging off new projects when others can’t even pay salaries.

    “I want to service the bond between Edo electorate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party, so that I will leave the ladder stronger than I met it.”

    The aspirants who spoke emphasised  the need to unite behind whoever emerges the candidate of the party with a view to winning the general election on September 10.

  • Group drums support for Odubu

    Group drums support for Odubu

    Ahead of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, the deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, has secured the support of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties in Edo state to clinch the ticket

    The CRPP also said its adoption was based on a review of the various consultation with stakeholders.

    The group led by Dr. Samson Isibor described the deputy governor as a resourceful and tested person, who is well crafted in the art of governance.

    Isibor said: “After reviewing the report of other various consultations, the CRPP resolved to support the Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu as the man Edo state needs this time around to take us to the promise land.

    “Whoever wants to see Edo state developed at a faster pace it has ever known should suppress sentiment and produce Dr. Pius Odubu for the onerous task of building ,sustaining and advancing the development of a new Edo state.

    “We urge all delegates not to allow monetary inducement to out turn their since of judgement of voting for Dr. Pius Odubu, who has been tested, as anything contrary to this will mean that we are selling our conscience and the future of our children.

    He added: “CRPP enjoines all APC delegates to cast their vote for Dr. Odubu, who people respect for his loyalty, truthfulness, transparency, a goal getter who is not arrogant ,pompous or a Mr. Know-it-all, but very humble man above all he is not corrupt and a good listener.”

    Speaking on the allegation of bulk buying of PVCs, he said “We urge the delegates of the APC not to sell their PVCs as its an indication that their future is been mortgaged, we call on the EFCC to investigate the bulk buying of PVCs by a particular aspirants and what this means is that when he wins,he will be in a hurry to recover his funds.”

  • Odubu: Edo needs a ready governor, not one with potential

    Odubu: Edo needs a ready governor, not one with potential

    Edo State Deputy governor and governorship aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Pius Odubu, has said the state needs a man who is ready to be governor in all aspects and not someone with mere potential.

    Odubu spoke at the weekend at a reception organised for him in Benin, the state capital, by his supporters, on his return from screening in Abuja.

    The deputy governor noted that being a student of Oshiomhole’s school of governance in the last seven years, he was the right man for the job.

    He urged the delegates not to be coerced into voting against their preferred candidate, adding that they must freely choose who to govern them.

    Odubu said: “I have been in school; I have been in Oshiomhole’s school of governance and he has rated me as the best.

    “We need a governor who will hit the ground running. We need a governor who is game-ready and not one with potential.

    “We will bring to bear all the governor has thought us and those we know on our own. We will do the greatest good to the greatest number of the people within the shortest possible time when we get there.

    “By His grace, I know and I believe that I am the man who will take over from the governor.”

    Following the purported allegation of massive buying of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by a particular aspirant, Odubu urged said delegates must protect their PVCs, which he said is their property.

    He said: “My good people of Edo State, I hear they are collecting PVCs. Please, your PVC is your property. It is your right, don’t sell it; don’t mortgage your future.

    “You have to freely choose the man or woman who you want. You must, on your own free volition, choose who will govern Edo State. I want to assure you: all through the years, I have prepared myself for this occasion. I have prepared myself for now.”

    Apparently surprised by the reception and the crowd that greeted him, Odubu said: “I am completely short of words to attest my gratitude to this multitude of people.

    “Your solidarity and support, all through these years, show that we have a common goal, a common purpose. That is to deliver the deliverable to the greatest number in the shortest possible time.

    “These past few months, we have been through a lot together. I see a group of people that is dedicated, committed, dogged, in the support for a common son, like me. Let me assure you that we will not disappoint you.

    “There will be many things yet to happen. From the beginning, I told my people that the battle is neither for the brave nor the race for the swift. It is for those who endure.

    “We have endured a lot to get here. We are counting down now. We have a few days to go. I am just coming in from Abuja. We have been given a clean bill of health by the national party to contest this election.

    “I want to beg all of you: let us go to the stadium peacefully that day and exercise our franchise. Nobody can stop you.

    “Today, let them listen; let those who have ears hear. Let them hear that nobody can stop the sun from rising.

    “I believe and I do believe that by God’s grace, we shall overcome. Nobody can stop any man whose time has come. Our time has come. We are looking up to God; no man is God. We have a God, a God of justice. God has the final say.”

    APC has fixed June 18 for its primary while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled its for June 20.

  • Can Oyinlola reconcile Oshiomhole, Odubu?

    Can Oyinlola reconcile Oshiomhole, Odubu?

    The succession battle in the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has degenerated into a crisis between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu. Can the Oyinlola Committee restore peace to the troubled chapter? OSAGIE OTABOR writes on the burden of reconciliation.

    Was there really a crisis in the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) that warranted the setting up of the Fact Finding and Reconciliation Committee headed by the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola? To Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the crisis was blown out of proportion by those he described as fifth columnists. Some chieftains also saw the setting up of the committee as an attempt to blackmail him and withdraw his support for a governorship aspirant, Godwin Obaseki.

    It appears the visit of the reconciliation committee has doused tension among the aspirants. What heightened the tension was the friction between Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu as both of them are not on the same page on who will succeed Oshiomhole. The removal of Hon Victor Edoror as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the bias of some executives of the APC and threats that the party would lose the election to the PDP, if a popular candidate does not win the primary also aggravated the tension.

    The crisis worsened when the convoy of Dr. Odubu was attacked at Auchi, the headquarters of Estako West Local Government. Oshiomhole hails from the local government. Oshiomhole alleged that his deputy wanted to use diabolical means to eliminate him. There was also shooting at Sobe community at a time Obaseki was in the area to campaign.

    What the Oyinlola committee gathered, according to sources, was different from the picture painted about the APC in Edo, especially as regards the removal of Hon. Edoror as the Speaker. When the committee met with the aspirants at the APC secretariat, it was an opportunity for them to speak out their minds about the proposed primary.

    Issues raised by the aspirants included financial inducement of delegates, increased use of thugs by some aspirants, the need to separate party activities from the aprons of the government and easy access to delegates  by aspirants. Some aspirants also accused the Chairman of the party, Anselm Ojezua and the Secretary, Chief Osaro Idah of being political appointees of Governor Oshiomhole. They said the APC would do well in the state if it was well-funded.

    The Chairman and the Secretary denied the allegations.

    The youngest aspirant, 37 year-old Blessing Agbomhere, said all the aspirants pledged their loyalty to the party and demanded for a free and fair primary.

    He said they also demanded access to the delegates and requested that Ojezua should take charge of the party and separate governance from party politics.

    He said: “I told them the governor should see every aspirant as a brother because we made the party what it is today.”

    “I spoke my mind and I was straight to the point. I condemned the Odubu attack and I reported that my bill board was removed at the party secretariat because they said I was criticizing the governor.

    An aspirant, Ogiemwonyi, said only a strong party structure would bring  peace to the Edo APC.

    “The aspirants spoke their mind. You cannot reconcile without talking about the issues underneat. We went as far as talking about the need of separation of powers between the government and the party. We want to have a strong party. We equally addressed inducement of delegates with money, it should be reduced”

    “I believe in due process. I believe in the spirit of good governance. We are looking for somebody that has experience.

    “My panacea for what will bring peace is we need a strong party that is well funded. A situation where the party can summon the governor like in the days of Awolowo.”

    Oshiomhole expressed reservation about the attitude of the national leadership towards the supposed crisis in the state chapter. He said the party leadership has not asked him about problems in the party in the state and noted that informal approach to issues works better than formalised approach.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke at a meeting with the committee, wondered why the official language should be ‘reconcile everybody,’ when the most uncouth and vulgar language have been used to describe his person.

    He said those beating the drum of war in the APC were defectors from the PDP who want to discredit the APC in Edo.

    He said: “The secretariat should check carefully because those making statements always end up with statement that unless the Comrade want to return the state to the PDP. This state cannot return to the PDP.

    “We can distinguished between Fifth columnist and genuine APC members. Those fomenting  trouble in APC now could not deliver their wards. I deliver my unit, ward, local government and senatorial district.”

    “I hope that you are able to tell everybody, assure Abuja that there is no cause for alarm. I will finish stronger than I started.”

    “Be assured of my commitment to the party. Be assured of my commitment to democratic values and I will fight this election as if I were a candidate, regardless of who wins.”

    The committee also met with the leadership of the House of Assembly behind close doors and the committee was told in clear terms that the change in the house leadership has no connection with the power play between Oshiomhole and his deputy.

    The Speaker, Ativie Elisabeth, and other lawmakers narrated how the plan to remove Edoror was plotted and executed without the knowledge of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    The Speaker said there was no plot to impeach the deputy governor and that the change in the house leadership would further strengthened the party.

    At an enlarged stakeholders meeting, Oyinlola warned party members not to work towards finding themselves in opposition political party after the elections

    He urged the leadership to resolve their differences.

    The former Osun governor noted that the APC won last year’s election because a transparent party primary that saw the emergence of Mohammadu Buhari as the party’s flag bearer.

    His words: “My belief until I came was that nobody has done anything that will surpass the achievement of Dr. Ogbemudia. We have a performing governor who has done so much credit to our party, why then do we not want to continue with this trend of achievement by going into the election united and deliver Edo State.”

    “It is the only state that is under our control in the Southsouth zone. It is an open secret that governors in the Southsouth have gone to do meeting on how to take Edo. God will not allow that to happen. We have interacted with the aspirants. They came out with what they believe is needed to be done for us to move successfully. All of them are talking about a level-playing ground.”

    “We must allow a level-playing ground. That is what is going to happen. God forbid we should not loose election in Edo State. It is not a pleasant thing to be in opposition. That is why I want to plead with our leadership that we must be able to resolve our differences.

    “Reports from the state chapter of the party in the last few weeks were not edifying and that the party at the national level was alarmed at the steady erosion of the stability  and cohesion earlier seen in Edo.”

    “We are here because our party believes darkness must not fall on this state once again. When you came, you gave every man a reason to believe once again in participatory democracy as the best form of government.”

    But, an aspirant, Casely Omon-Irabor, told our reporter on phone that the committee came to fan the embers of disunity by praising the achievements of Oshiomhole.

    Omon-Irabor said that some stakeholders at the meeting were invited to insult some aspirants present at the meeting.

    He said: “The committee came here to sell Oshiomhole. They were praising Oshiomhole. Some people were brought in to insult everybody.”

    Ojezua, said the committee found out that things were not as bad in the party as it was being reported in the press.

    He said what they found were symptoms of electioneering campaigns.

    His words: “We cannot afford to loose this election. The governor has done very well and the party will rely on the governor’s achievements during campaigns. People must be very careful with the way they speak about the governor”.

    A close ally of Dr. Odubu said the committee was able to calm some nerve and peaceful atmosphere within the party.