JUST IN: APC’ll present credible candidate for Edo governorship  – Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Thursday said the ruling All Progressives Congress was determined to hand over its ticket to a popular candidate that can deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of Edo State.

Uzodimma is the chairman of the Primary Election Committee set up to conduct the February 17 poll where one of the 12  aspirants will emerge the party’s candidate in the September governorship election.

Addressing journalists after the committee members were  inaugurated by the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, at the party secretariat in Abuja, Uzodimma assured all that they will do their best to produce only the best candidate for Edo people.

He said, “It is a big trust thing and we feel humbled. On behalf of myself and the members of this committee, we want to thank you and the National Working Committee for this show of confidence and our prayer is that we work hard to justify this confidence imposed on us.

“Our party is a fantastic brand, very popular, and a good product. It behoves on members of our committee to work in harmony with the local leadership of the party in Edo State to bring up a sellable candidate that will be easily marketable in Edo State.”

Other members of the governorship primary election committee inaugurated by the national chairman included Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu who was chosen as Deputy Chairman; former Osun state deputy governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; APC flagbearer in Plateau State Governorship election, Nentanwe Yilwatde; Umar Musa; Lawan Garba and Rabiu Suleiman who is expected to serve as secretary.

Also constituted is the  governorship primary election appeal committee, chaired by C.C. Udenwa.

Members include  Muhammad Zakaria Sarina; Udogu Anthony Chijoke; Muhammad Garin Ali and the scribe Yunusa Mohammed.

In a related development, former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, also boasted after the inauguration that the APC is poised to win the September governorship election.

When quizzed to reveal why he was confident about what the possible pitcoke would be, Oshiomhole  said, “Edo People are tired of PDP and are so eager to have APC back in control of the state.”