Edo guber poll : APC must tread softly-Group

In an effort to field a credible candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and national levels has been making frantic efforts to ensure a smooth primary and ultimately presenting a credible candidate that would outshine other competing parties in the forthcoming election.

However, the Party has ignored some fundamentals that would ensure victory for its at the polls. By means of an informal screening process, it committed the grave error of undermining the most credible aspirants.

A statement on Sunday 4, February, 2024, by
Professor Felix Oriakhi,
Director-General,
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine Campaign Organisation , which raised issue , cautioned the Party not to tread the path that will course it the September 21 gubernatorial poll.

According to the statement, “although, the National Working Committee of the Party waded in to straighten matters, it has yet to mend the loss of confidence in the Party process,” a situation which it said may not portend well for the Party if not urgently addressed now.

The group said that ” a fundamental issue central to social justice and equity is the matter of political power distribution in the State; it is about which of the senatorial districts should produce the Governor of the State in this year’s gubernatorial election. Without doubt, Edo Central Senatorial district has been at the receiving end of power distribution in the State since 1999.

” Thus, there is a strong feeling among well-meaning Edo people that this matter must treated with the seriousness it deserves instead of pandering to hegemonic devices of some greedy politicians to the detriment of the unity of Edo people.”

It noted that ” other competing parties in the State, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has addressed this matter in their choice of candidates for the forthcoming election. It is not enough to allow the alienated section of the State to field a candidate; it must be allowed to its very best. It is important to note that the unity of Edo nation, must not be taken for granted. Doing so will have far-reaching implications for the electoral fortune of our Party, the APC, in the forthcoming election.

“A cursory examination of aspirants within the Party highlights the question of credibility. Information about some of the candidates are in the public domain. The Party, no matter the constraints, must rise to the task of picking the best candidate. Anything less, will expose the pebble of sand in the anus of the APC to the benefit of competing parties in the State. The electorate in the State are very sophisticated and will defend their votes.

“It was in the consideration of the above that our aspiring candidate, the globally renowned Professor of Political Science, Sylvester Odion Akhaine (SOA), came forward to participate in the run-up to the primary so that APC can reap the benefit of a credible and courageous candidate to sweep the ballots.

“Our message is clear. Professor Akhaine was at the forefront of pro-democracy movement in the country. He is a nationalist, and is ideologically committed to the Nigerian project. He is on a moral high ground, offering to serve with character, consistency and integrity. Professor Akhaine has deep knowledge about the developmental challenges of the State.

“He understands that governance is not a tea party but a call to serve the people.

“Following assessment of the socio-economic issues in the State, we have articulated his menu of solutions in a Seven-Point Agenda, covering education, culture and tourism, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and job creation. Beyond that, Professor Akhaine’s candidacy will help the Party address the current skewed governance structure of Edo State, being from Edo Central Senatorial District.

“We like to end our brief statement with the saying: a stich in time, saves nine. Do not throw away this golden opportunity, and strengthen the hands of the enemy of the Party. Given the disquiet in the Party, we need to consider the imperatives of nominating a candidate whose character can neither be assailed nor questioned. Professor Akhaine fits the bill.”