“At the close of the Monday deadline, the All Progressives Congress (APC) amassed N600 million from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the Edo governorship ticket,” stated a spokesperson for the party.
The proceeds were contributed by 12 aspirants who acquired the N50 million forms ahead of the February 17 party primaries.
According to checks from the Directorate of Organisation of the party at Muhammadu Buhari House in Abuja, no female aspirant obtained the form, resulting in an all-male contest.
Leading the pack are notable figures such as former Minister of State for National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo representing Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; and former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Additional contenders include Engr. Gideon Ikhine, former Edo APC chairman Col. David Imuse; Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); Hon. Emmanuel Momoh, former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South); Blessing Agbohmere, member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency; Hon. Dennis Idahosa; and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.
The APC National Working Committee (NWC), after consultations with key stakeholders from the State, opted for a direct mode of shadow election, keeping the ticket open to aspirants from all three Senatorial zones.
Initially, 29 aspirants expressed interest in securing the party’s ticket for the Government House on Dennis Osadebe Avenue, Benin. However, a screening committee headed by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, appointed by stakeholders, reduced the number to six and ultimately four. This decision, however, was contested by the aspirants.
The APC NWC expressed disapproval at the move to reduce the number of aspirants, with the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru, affirming that the party’s highest administrative organ remains solely responsible for vetting and clearing aspirants for the February 17 primary.
