As the All Progressives Congress (APC) gears up for the Edo State governorship primary election set for February 17, 2024, four aspirants have been screened out by the Hon. Julius Ihonvbere-led committee. The candidates, who graciously accepted the screening outcome, emphasized their commitment to party unity and the collective goal of the APC in Edo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State for September 21, 2024.
The party’s internal mechanism, represented by the screening committee, was established to streamline the number of aspirants and ensure a smooth and harmonious primary election process, thereby fostering party cohesion.
Among those screened out are Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Prince Kassim Afegbua, former commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Victoria Amu, and Hon. Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe.
Emphasizing the party’s interest over individual ambitions, the aspirants demonstrated humility and loyalty to the APC. Dr. Umakhihe, while expressing gratitude to his supporters, acknowledged the party’s zoning of the governorship out of Edo North and urged his followers to remain steadfast, hinting at future opportunities.
In a similar vein, Hon. Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe, acknowledging that not everyone can become governor simultaneously, encouraged his supporters to respect the party’s decision, asserting the primacy of the party’s interests over personal aspirations.
Mrs. Victoria Amu, underscoring the significance of party unity, unequivocally aligned herself with the APC’s vision and principles, placing the party’s collective goals and the welfare of Edo State as her top priority.
Prince Kassim Afegbua, reflecting on his screening out of the primary, reaffirmed his belief that politics is not a do-or-die affair, gracefully accepting the party’s decision.
The screening committee had previously reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to 10 and further to six, with two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts. Ultimately, the final list comprises Senator Monday Okpebholo, Col David Imuse from Edo Central, and Chief Lucky Imasuen, and Hon. Dennis Idahosa from Edo South as the recommended aspirants for the primary election.
The acceptance of the screening outcome by the aspirants underscores their unwavering dedication to the party’s principles and the pursuit of unity within the APC as the Edo gubernatorial race gains momentum.
