By Jude Opara, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the sales of expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming August 16 bye-elections in parts of the country.
This is as Oscar Agedo stepped forward on Monday to secure his forms as he aspires to run for the Federal House of Representatives for Ovia South-West/Ovia North-East Federal Constituency.
Addressing newsmen shortly after picking the forms, Agedo said his interest is to represent his in the Green Chambers to make good laws for the country and to ensure proper representation for his constituency, especially in the area of infrastructural development.
He also expressed his confidence that the National Working Committee (NWC) will conduct a free and fair primary, so as to produce the best aspirant that will represent the party in the bye-election.
“I also want to appeal to the National Working Committee that our party is known for credible and transparent primaries. I am confident that come July 19th, we will have a free and fair primary election in our constituency”.
He promised to focus on youth and citizens empowerment across the constituency; adding that he hopes to secure the support of the state government due to an existing cordial working relationship with them.
“First and foremost, as a legislator, my primary responsibility is to make laws. But, it is also obvious that in our democracy today, there is a high demand for lawmakers to implement constituency projects.
“For me, my major focus will be on youth and citizens’ empowerment across Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East. Our predecessor, who is now the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has done remarkably well in infrastructure. I will not just add to that, but my key interest is in human capacity development”.
He equally revealed that he has been involved in the smooth running of the party, including serving as the Secretary and Chairman in his local government area.
“Yes, until recently, I was the APC Chairman of my local government and also the Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in Edo State. But it is normal that when you decide to contest for elective office, you resign your position. I have since done so.
“I was also once Secretary to the Council. In 2020, when it became obvious that there was a movement to drag everyone to the PDP, I resigned my position. My records are clear. I have made several contributions to my constituency and my community, and they know me well. That is why they believe I have a lot to offer at the National Assembly”.
Agedo equally assured that if elected, he would continue to support the era of peaceful coexistence among the people of the area, especially with the fact that they are mainly farmers.
“Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East are largely rural and agrarian. The level of restlessness among the youth is minimal because many of them are engaged in farming and small businesses.
“However, as it is often said, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” That is why youth empowerment, women empowerment, and support for the less privileged are my priorities. Keeping the youth meaningfully engaged reduces the risk of crime and other social vices. We must create avenues to keep them productive and focused”.
He also expressed his confidence that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC will according to their culture conduct a free and credible primary election that will be satisfactory to all stakeholders.
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