By Jude Opara, Abuja
Ahead of the Edo state governorship election coming up in September, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has boasted of parading credible and quality aspirants from where the candidate that will eventually win the election.
Acting Chairman of the party, Hon. Jarrett Tenebe stated this at the weekend when the 12 aspirants who have been screened by the party were presented with their certificate of clearance to participate in the primary election on February 17.
Tenebe also said that the state chapter of the party and the National Secretariat are ready to conduct the primaries in the most transparent manner that all the aspirants will be satisfied with the process.
“The caliber of aspirants that you have seen here, the 12 have been cleared. It is a clear indication that Edo is going to be taken by the APC, because they are eminent people who are eminently qualified. Also the committee that screened them is made up of eminent people in the society. Questions were thrown at them, their papers were looked into and they are all qualified. They have received their certificates today which shows that we are ready to take over Edo state”.
On his relationship with the leader of the party in the state and former governor, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, the acting Chairman said their relationship has been very cordial and looks good to remain so.
“I don’t have any difference with our leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He is our leader in the state and the leader of the party. We are working together, everything you see here today, he is aware of. So there are no cracks on the wall”.
Tenebe when asked it he has any fears ahead of the primaries said: “There is no fear. Like we always say, we don’t want problem but if you bring problem, there is no problem”.
He also explained that the issue of the members register which will be used to vote is the next thing that would be looked into and harmonized.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru said the next stage in the build up to the election will be the delegates Congress which will be conducted on Monday (today).
Duru added that for the interest of those who do not have the schedule, the party has produced and published the document which will lead to the conduct of the primaries on the 17th, February 2024. He however reminded them of the need to have it ready and handy.
“We are working closely with the state acting chairman of the party. We will brief him constantly on the steps being taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure a free, fair and transparent primaries in the state.
“Where you are in doubt, please feel free and put a call to the state Chairman. If you cannot reach him, you can call on the National Organizing Secretary or myself to answer any questions at any point in time.
“We will like to wish all of you the very best and ensure you conduct yourselves as members of the party in an atmosphere devoid of rancour”.
Also in his remarks, the APC Screening Committee Chairman, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja who was represented by Hon. Adeoye Adelakun said that the committee has been able to go through the documents and interrogated all the 12 aspirants and that all of them are worthy of presentation.
Adelakun said that is why they have signed a report and handed them over to the party, recommending that they will be free to contest the primary election on the 17th February, 2024.
“And whoever is worthy of being the candidate of the party, we pray that he will be successful at the end of the day at the poll”.
He prayed that God will continue to steer the ship of the APC in a manner that will make them to continue to be rulers of the country and not in the opposition.
