By Milcah Tanimu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has designated Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the head of a seven-member committee tasked with overseeing the primary election scheduled for February 17 to select the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State.

This announcement was made in a statement released in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, on Wednesday.

Argungu also revealed that Uzodimma will be supported by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, who has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the committee.

“The Primary Election Committee comprises other members including former Osun State deputy governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; APC’s Plateau State 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Nentanwe Yilwatde Goshwe; Umar Musa; Lawan Garba, and Rabiu Suleiman who will serve as the Secretary,” he stated.

The ruling party additionally announced the formation of an appeal committee for the governorship primary election, with C.C. Udenwa appointed as chairman and Yunusa Mohammed as Secretary.

This development comes following the clearance of all 12 aspirants vying for the sole party ticket to contest the September 22 Edo governorship election by the APC leadership, four days prior.

The successful aspirants include former State Chairman of APC, Gideon Ikhine; ex-Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Clem Agba; former Edo Governor, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor; senator representing Edo Central, Monday Okpebholo; erstwhile deputy governor, Lucky Imasuen; former governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; and lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Anamero Dekeri.

Others who made the list are ex-Zonal Organising Secretary for South-South, Blessing Agbohmere; House of Representatives member, Dennis Idahosa; former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe; Col. David Imuse; and Major General Charles Airhiavbere (retd).