The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and former National Chairman Senator Adams Oshiomole have expressed their resolve to regain control of Edo State. Ganduje, speaking at a meeting with Edo State stakeholders on Monday night, asserted that the state belongs to the APC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the Edo State governorship election for September 21, 2024. The APC, in accordance with its outlined activities, has set January 29 as the deadline for the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, along with delegates’ forms. The party plans to conduct its primary election on February 17 to choose its candidate for the gubernatorial race.
Emphasizing the goal of reclaiming Edo State for the APC, Ganduje declared, “Edo is an APC state. Now we have to take Edo back. We have only one state from the South-South for the greatest party in Africa, it’s not acceptable. We were able to get only Cross River State after crossing so many rivers, we succeeded in getting Cross River State. But Edo State, we must get it.”
Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, insisted that there would be a departure from business as usual, highlighting the party’s progressive nature with defined objectives. He stressed the need to enhance internal democracy, understanding the party’s ideology, rules, and regulations, and fostering transparency.
Regarding the multitude of APC Edo governorship aspirants, Ganduje proposed consensus as the preferred approach to limit contests and ensure a more focused selection process. He stated, “If we can leave it through agreement, the better for us.”
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, attributed the party’s defeat in the 2020 governorship election to certain members. Oshiomole highlighted the challenges of democracy based on popular participation but underscored its significance in building consensus and resolving conflicts.
Expressing determination to reclaim Edo State, Oshiomole said, “Edo is ours. We lost it due to several factors, some of which were caused by some APC elements.” Both leaders emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes, fostering unity within the party, and adopting a strategic approach to secure victory in the upcoming election.
