Victor EzejaThe All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee for the Edo State 2024 governorship election has cleared all 12 aspirants, making them set for the party’s primaries.
This was confirmed in a statement signed by the APC, National Organising Secretary, H. E. Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, made available to Prime Business Africa.
The screening took place between Thursday, 8th, and Friday, 9th of February 2024 at the APC national headquarters in Abuja.
“The Edo State Gurbanatorial Aspirants’ Screening Committee has screened and cleared all the 12 gubernatorial aspirants that physically presented themselves to be screened by the Party’s Screening Committee.
“All the 12 aspirants that purchased the Expression of Interest Forms and Nomination Forms were screened by the Screening Committee over a two-day period between Thursday, 8th February 2024 and Friday, 9th February 2024,” Argungu stated.
The statement further disclosed that the Certificate of Screening will be presented to all the 12 Gubernatorial Aspirants at the Party’s Secretariat by the National Organising Secretary on, Saturday, 10th February 2024.
According to Argungu, the presentation of certificates starts at 12 pm at the APC NWC Hall, national headquarters in Abuja.
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Inaugurated on Thursday, 8 February, the screening committee was chaired by Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja, a former Minister of Sports, while Dr. Sani Danjuma was the Secretary. Other members of the committee are Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Hon. Adeoye Adelakun, Prince Darlington Dick, Lawal Abdullahi Kenken, and Margaret Duru.
The 12 aspirants cleared for the APC Edo gubernatorial primaries include Prince Clem Agba, Monday Okpebiaolo, H. E. Lucky E. Imasuen, Mr. Amamero Sunday Dekeri, Osagie Andrew Ize-TIyamu, Gideon O. Ikhine, David Onabure Imuse, Charles Ehiqie Hirhiavbere, Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor, Blessing A. Agbomhere, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and Ernest Afolabi Umakihe.
According to a report of the exercise signed by all the committee members, the chairman said the Committee was set up “in order to make the screening exercise more transparent and give a level playing ground for all members to present themselves to the Committee, and to cross-check the documents already forwarded to the APC Secretariat for transparency, and credibility in the exercise.”
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It said the Committee’s work was guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the APC Constitution, and the guidelines of the party.
It added that the primary objectives of the screening committee were:
” (a) To vet and assess the eligibility and sustainability of candidates vying for Edo State Gubernatorial election.
“(b) To ensure adherence to the electoral guidelines, rules, and regulations set forth by the party in line with the Constitution and the electoral law.
“(c) To maintain the integrity and transparency of the election process.
The report further explained that the Screening Committee followed what it described as “a structured and meticulous process,” to assess the aspirants involving a review of all their documents (including personal information, educational qualifications, political party membership, and previous electoral history) interviews of the aspirants, and verification of their level of support from their respective wards, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
The committee after their screening found the aspirants eligible legally, and suitable to emerge as candidates and each demonstrated to have a strong support base.
The committee urged the party to ensure that the primary election is free, fair and credible with no room for imposition of candidate and carry everybody along to avoid anti-party activities.
The Edo State Governorship is scheduled to hold on 21 September 2024.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
