After a long hesitation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally accepted the names of candidates loyal to Chief Dan Orbih, the South South zonal national vice chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded primary of the party.
The action of the party in accepting the names of members of the Legacy Group which Orbih belongs and sending same to INEC, pending the outcome of the legal challenge between the two feuding factions, has put paid to speculations that the party may not field candidates for next year’s election.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja had ordered the commission to accept the names of the candidates pending the outcome of a suit by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s supporters who won in the main opposition party parallel primary.
The party last Friday July, 1 finally heeded the order of Justice Ekwo and forwarded the names of members of the victorious Orbih to the Independent Nation Electoral Commission, INEC.
In line with Justice Ekwo’s order, Arc. Mike Onolememen (Edo Central), Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama (Edo South) and Hon. Paschal Ugbome (Edo North) topped the list of names submitted as the senatorial candidates for Edo central, Edo South, and Edo North respectively.
Candidates for House of Representatives whose names were also submitted to the electoral body are Mrs. Lucy Omagbon, Mr. Lewis Osobase, Mr. Felix Akhabue, Mr. Lawrence Ogieva, Mr. Nosa Adams, and all members of the Edo Legacy Group.