The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, insisted that the party would go ahead with the direct primary method in choosing its flagearer for the 2020 Edo State Governorship election.
On Monday, the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee announced its adoption of a direct primary method for the party’s June 22nd primary election in Edo, a decision described by Anselm Ojezua, the APC factional chairman in the state, as unconstitutional.
Contrary to his (factional chairman) stance, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki later registered his indifference to the NWC ‘s choice of primaries as he boasted he would emerge as the flagbearer of the party’s governorship.
“It doesn’t matter whether it is direct or indirect primary, I will win because I know what we have done in Edo State,” he boasted, leaning on his over three years’ performance as the governor of the state.
Speaking to journalists at the party’s Abuja secretariat following the NWC meeting with some party governors, the national chairman insisted that his decision was backed by the party’s constitution.
He added that Mr Obaseki had not submitted a letter protesting the APC NWC’s decision.
“Obaseki is not here but issues of primaries are well spelt out in our constitution and we are following it as strictly as possible. So, nothing to worry about at all.
“You are speculating (on Obaseki’s rejection of direct primaries), I don’t have any letter or document to that effect. These are very formal matters. Stop spreading (speculations?),” Mr Oshiomhole told the journalists in company of the party governors.
rIn the meantime, a source within the members of the NWC stated that one of the governors at the meeting demanded indirect party primaries “but was rebuffed .”
The Edo APC governorship primaries election has been slated for June 22 even as the tension within the party continues to build up.
