In preparation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election scheduled for February 17, 2024, in Edo State, 25 out of 29 aspirants, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, have been screened out, marking a significant step in the internal party selection process.
Led by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, the screening committee was established to streamline the number of aspirants, ensuring a smooth and conflict-free primary election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State for September 21, 2024.
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Four aspirants, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Mrs Victoria Amu, and Hon. Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe, who were screened out, expressed acceptance of the committee’s decision, emphasizing their commitment to party unity.
In their statements, the aspirants acknowledged that the party’s decision outweighs individual ambitions, reinforcing the importance of collective goals. Dr Umakhihe noted that the APC’s zoning of the governorship out of Edo North marked the end of their temporary journey, expressing gratitude to supporters for their efforts.
Eboigbe, from Edo Central, urged his supporters to accept the screening outcome, emphasizing the party’s decision as paramount. Amu echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her alignment with the APC’s vision and principles, stating her ambition is not greater than the party.
Afegbua, acknowledging his screening out, emphasized the non-dogmatic nature of politics, stating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
The screening committee had earlier reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to 10, then further to six, with two aspirants from each senatorial district. The final list for the primary election includes Senator Monday Okpebholo, Col David Imuse, Chief Lucky Imasuen, and Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
