APC sanctions direct primaries for selection of gubernatorial candidate in Edo state

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed using direct primaries as the preferred mode of election to determine the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election in Edo State.

The decision comes in the wake of a consultative meeting held on January 15, 2024, between the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC and critical stakeholders from Edo State.

The party stated that the approval of direct primaries reflects the outcome of extensive consultations with party stakeholders in Edo State.

It said the decision is expected to pave the way for a more inclusive and participatory selection process, allowing party members to vote for their preferred candidate directly.

Part of the resolution read: “In view of the large numbers of aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket in Edo State, the NWC urged the stakeholders to unite in trimming the number of aspirants.

“The NWC urged all the Governorship aspirants to exhibit Party discipline and patriotism by shunning the attitude of running to the Courts at every opportunity instead of exploring internal dispute resolution mechanisms, especially after Party Primaries.

“It was resolved that for the smooth running of the party, all members should ensure strict compliance with their financial obligations to the party, in line with the party’s Constitution.

“The NWC also resolved that for want of time, the E-registration exercise of the party for fresh members be conducted after the primaries in order not to derail the smooth conduct of the primaries.

“The stakeholders were urged by the NWC to promote unity within the ranks of the party in order to go into the election as one family bound by progressive ideals and fully geared to reclaim the party’s mandate in Edo state.”

Dockaysworld gathered that the leading aspirants ahead of the APC primaries are a former candidate of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former minister of state for budget and national planning, Prince Clem Agba and the South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the APC, Blessing Agbomhere.