Ahead of the February 17 primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, its National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has cleared 12 governorship aspirants for its ticket for the September gubernatorial poll.
The Prof. Taoheed Abdul Adedoja-led seven-man committee on Friday night after a two-day screening exercise gave all the aspirants a clean bill to contest next Saturday party’s primary.
Indication to this effect was contained in a statement by the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammadu Arugungu in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.
Arugungu said that all the cleared aspirants will be issued Certificate of Screening clearance on Saturday by noon at the party Secretariat.
The aspirants cleared include: former permanent secretary in the ministry of Agriculture and ruler development, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine
Others cleared are the immediate past Edo APC chairman Col. David Imuse; former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niget Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr. Blessing Agbohmere; and member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
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The statement reads: “The Edo State Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee has screened and cleared all 12 aspirants who physically presented themselves to be screened by the party’s screening committee.
“All the 12 aspirants who purchased the Expression of Interest Fotms and Nomination Forms were screened by the screening committee over two days between Thursday 8th February 2024 and Friday 9th February 2024.
“The Certificate of Screening will be presented to all the 12 Gubernatorial aspirants at the party’s Secretariat by the National Organising tomorrow Saturday 10th February 2024.