By Valentine Amanze
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Already, six governorship candidates have submitted their intent to contest in the party’s primary election, which will produce its flagbearer in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The six aspirants for the party’s June 22, 2020 primary election, who have bought, completed and submitted the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Dr. Pius Odubu, Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Mr. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.
The party, via its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that the screening of the candidates was crucial to avoid any lapses in the process.
The party stated: “We are making the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to our party members and the public for verification of claims and to support the screening panel with information or any objection to the claims contained in the submission by the aspirants.
“Consequently, the various submissions will be displayed at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June, 2020 for claims and objections.”
It also invited party members and members of the public to assist the screening committee by scrutinizing the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the Screening Committee of counter and correct information, if applicable.
Recall that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, APC had earlier released its time table and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2020 Governorship Primary Elections in Edo State.
It said that the
sales of nomination and expression of interest forms began at the APC National Secretariat from Wednesday May 20 to Tuesday June 2, 2020.
The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents, according to the party, was Wednesday June 3, 2020.
It further disclosed that publication of claims and objections would be from Monday 8th to Tuesday June 9, 2020.
“Screening of aspirants has been slated for Wednesday 10th to Thursday 11th June, 2020.
This will be followed by Screening Appeal which will hold on Friday 12th June, 2020.
The Primary Election will hold on Monday 22nd June, 2020, while Election Appeal has been slated for Wednesday 24th June, 2020,” it said.