APC Edo Guber: Screened Aspirants Accept Outcome Ahead of Primary Election

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the February 17, 2024 governorship primary election in Edo State, four aspirants who were screened out by the Hon. Julius Ihonvbere-led committee have expressed their acceptance of the screening outcome.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State for September 21, 2024.

The party had established the committee as an internal mechanism to screen and reduce the number of aspirants to a manageable level, with the aim of ensuring a smooth primary election process.

Among the aspirants who accepted the screening outcome are Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Prince Kassim Afegbua, former commissioner for Information and Orientation. The others are Mrs. Victoria Amu and Hon. Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe.

In their responses, they emphasized the importance of the party’s decision over individual ambitions, affirming their commitment to the party’s unity and principles.

Dr. Umakhihe, acknowledging the zoning of the governorship position out of Edo North, expressed gratitude for the support received during his campaign, noting that their efforts would be rewarded in due time.

Hon. Eboigbe, from Edo Central, urged his supporters to accept the screening outcome, emphasizing the party’s decision as paramount.

Mrs. Amu underscored the significance of party unity, stating that while she is passionate about serving the people of Edo State, her ambition does not supersede the party’s interests.

Prince Afegbua, who accepted the party’s decision despite being screened out, emphasized the non-confrontational nature of politics.

Previously, the committee had reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to 10 and subsequently to six, with two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts.

The final list for the primary election includes Senator Monday Okpebholo and Col David Imuse from Edo Central, and Chief Lucky Imasuen and Hon. Dennis Idahosa from Edo South.