The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have successfully produced candidates who will represent the party in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 11 across Edo State.
The exercise was organised by the party Congress and involved delegates from all 18 local government areas of the state, who participated in an indirect voting process to determine the party’s flagbearers.
The Edo APC primaries were closely watched across the state as party members gathered to select candidates for chairmanship positions in the 18 councils.
At the end of the exercise, 16 of the 18 acting local government chairmen emerged victorious, securing the party’s tickets to contest in the upcoming polls.
However, the acting chairmen of Ovia North East and Ovia South West were unable to retain their positions as they failed to secure nominations during the contest.
Observers noted that the Edo APC primaries were conducted under a peaceful and orderly atmosphere, with reports indicating that there were no major disruptions or incidents of violence across the state.
Delegates and party stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and discipline displayed throughout the voting process, describing it as a reflection of growing internal stability within the party structure.
Among the candidates who emerged from the exercise are Osaro Eribo (Egor), Eriamatoe Christopher (Ovia North East), Johnson Osagie (Orhionmwon), Gabriel Iduseri (Oredo), Aikpokpo Enahoro (Owan West), and Lawson Imafidon (Uhunmwode).
Their emergence from the Edo APC primaries highlights a mix of continuity and competitive selection as the party positions itself for electoral success in the local government polls.
The Chairman of the APC Local Government Primary Election Committee, Abdullahi Bello, commended the smooth conduct of the exercise and praised the leadership role played by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
He noted that the process reflected strong democratic values and adherence to internal party guidelines.
According to Bello, the peaceful nature of the Edo APC primaries demonstrates the effectiveness of the party’s internal reconciliation mechanisms and its commitment to ensuring credible candidate selection ahead of the elections.
He further stated that the outcome reflects the confidence party members have in the leadership direction of the APC in Edo State.
He also emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style has contributed significantly to maintaining order and unity within the party, especially during sensitive political processes such as primaries.
This, he said, has strengthened trust among members and reduced internal tensions that often accompany candidate selection exercises.
Political analysts have observed that the results of the Edo APC primaries may influence the party’s performance in the upcoming local government elections, particularly given the retention of most incumbent chairmen.
The outcome suggests that the party is leaning towards continuity in governance while still allowing competitive participation where necessary.
Furthermore, the Edo APC primaries are being interpreted as a strategic move by the party to consolidate its grassroots structure ahead of the July 11 elections.
With 16 candidates emerging successfully, the APC appears to have maintained significant control over local political structures across Edo State.
In conclusion, the Edo APC primaries have reinforced the party’s organisational strength and readiness for the upcoming polls.
The smooth conduct, high level of participation, and largely uncontested outcomes in most councils indicate a party working to project unity and electoral preparedness as it heads into a crucial local government election season.
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