Tension, as Edo APC search for Oshiomhole’s successor

• Oyegun, party chair absent

Alas, members All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, yesterday, trooped out to elect a flag bearer in a keenly contested primary for the upcoming governorship election. Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who led other members, cast his vote at exactly 5.44pm. The APC fielded 12 aspirants in the search for Oshimhole’s successor.

Prior to the commencement of the exercise, there was palpable anxiety within the camps of the 12 aspirants as they jostled for delegates that were to decide their fate in the party’s primary election ahead of the September 10 governorship race in the state.

Heavily armed policemen, soldiers, men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC); and the Department of State Security (DSS) took over the Stadium Road venue of the exercise as early as 5.30 am.

Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, disclosed that 2, 582 delegates were accredited for the exercise, stressing that his committee would stick to the rules and resist any attempt to manipulate the process.

The national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who is from the state and a statutory delegate, was conspicuously missing, even as no reason was given for his absence.

Masari said members of the committee were in the state to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible party primaries and thanked members of the party for their conduct and efforts at making the process a huge success.

He reminded the governorship of the need to imbibe the virtues of courage, sportsmanship and understanding, as only one of them would finally emerge as the candidate of the party in the state, adding that they were all qualified to govern the state but the law only allows one candidate.

“There will be no loser in this election, we consider all of you contesting as winners because the law says only one person can represent a party in the election.

“Any ballot paper that does not have my signature will be invalid because I have signed all the ballot papers”‎

Governor Oshiomhole on his part said the primary polls remains a critical fact in the governance processes and expressed appreciation for the smooth and transparent manner of the exercise, adding that the APC governorship contenders were like “12 angels” who were chosen to contest for one position.

The party outlined three strategic venues, including, Imaguero College, Agbado Primary School and George Idah primary school where the 2,873 delegates from the three senatorial districts were screened to avoid congestion and clumsiness in the stadium.

Delegates were thereafter ferried to the stadium in buses straight into the main bowl amidst tight security, even as motorists were diverted from the stadium road to nearby exit and entrance roads to and from the area.

At the time of filing the report, there was no incidences of clashes or breach of the peace as a carnival like atmosphere pervaded the Stadium gate premises as supporters from the various camps danced around.