Tobi Ijalana
All Progressives Congress Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, is fully asserting his authority as far as the upcoming Edo State governorship election is concerned.
An aspect of such is that he has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, informing them about the nature and schedule of the party’s primary, which is direct.
He is at loggerheads with the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, whom he had supported to get to office.
Although no one seems to know exactly what caused the bitter fight between them, it has been a no retreat, no surrender affair, although many believe Oshiomhole may be poised to laugh last based on the adoption of direct primary by the party’s leadership to which he is central.
According to a report in ‘The Punch’, the APC chairman has informed INEC of the party’s readiness and the fact that the primaries will be conducted in 129 wards.
“Notice of intention to conduct direct primary for the Edo State Governorship Election,” read in part, “I convey to you my compliments and wish to respectfully inform you that the All Progressives Congress has decided to conduct direct primary for the Edo State Governorship Election on Monday, 22nd of June, 2020.
“To this end, we have put in place modalities to ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 prevention guidelines as announced by the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“Therefore, direct primaries will be conducted in one hundred and ninety-two (192) wards.”
“We, accordingly, invite you as observers of the primaries with full compliance with All Progressives Congress Constitution and the Electoral Act,” he is quoted as saying in the letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu.
Obaseki had initially raised an objection concerning the adoption of direct primary but he appears to be adjusting to the reality now.
Also, his colleagues have met with the APC leadership, especially Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, making a case for him but the meeting did not change the decision.
Only on Wednesday, Obaseki warned Oshiomhole to stay away from the primary since, according to the governor, he is an interested party.
