…Party To Display Aspirants’ Credentials For Claims, Objections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday said it will subject all the records of its six aspirants vying for the party’s governorship ticket in Edo to a thorough public scrutiny.
Ahead of its screening exercise slated for Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June, 2020, it appears the party has learned from its misfortune in the Bayelsa 2019 guber poll.
The New Diplomat recalls despite winning popular votes, the APC lost its victory in Bayelsa to the main opposition’s Peoples Democratic Party on the grounds that the party’s deputy-governor elect, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, presented false information about his educational background to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Supreme Court which was appalled that the APC’s deputy-governor elect had several inconsistent names in his educational certificates also ordered that INEC should immediately declare the PDP governorship candidate, Duoye Diri who had the highest number of lawful votes and geographical spread the winner of the election.
The APC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu said: “in its bid to ensure due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise and learning from recent shocking experiences, it is determined to avoid any lapses in the process.”
It announced that six Governorship aspirants that purchased, completed and submitted the expression of interest forms are to be screened for its June 22, 2020 Primary Election during which its governorship candidate for Edo state would be elected.
The six aspirants are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Hon. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.
APC noted that it will make the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to its 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.
The party further said: “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.
“We are inviting party members and indeed 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 States.
“Accordingly, sales of nomination and expression of interest forms began at the APC National Secretariat from Wednesday 20th May to Tuesday 2nd June, 2020.
“The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents was Wednesday 3rd June, 2020,” the party states.
It further said; “As earlier stated, publication of claims and objections will be from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th 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.”
