Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has raised the alarm, alleging the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of already manipulating the result of the yet-to-be-held governorship primary of the party, which is slated for June 22.
Oshiomhole and Shaibu’s principal, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, are entangled in a bitter row over the control of APC in the state.
The primary, which will produce the party’s flag-bearer in the September 19 gubernatorial election has exacerbated their feud with Oshiomhole backing another contender, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The mode the event will take in terms of either direct or indirect is equally a divisive issue between the two parties and their supporters. While the incumbent is touting indirect primary his predecessor is vehemently opposed to it.
Shaibu, who is on the side of Obaseki, said the governor will romp home to victory at the poll while alleging Oshiomhole of concluding plan to falsify the outcome.
The deputy governor said all these via a statement, his Special Assistant on Media, Benjamin Atu, released.
The statement reads in part: “Despite this confidence and assurance that the victory of Governor Obaseki is not in doubt, we are not ready to go the way of the direct primary.
“Our preference for indirect primary is because we do not want to secure victory at the expense of the health of the people we are seeking to govern.
“Edo State Governor has the responsibility of safeguarding the people against any form of hazard or danger, including COVID-19. As the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state, Governor Obaseki has decided to conduct the affairs of Edo the way that will ensure safety of the lives of its residents.
“As at today, Obaseki is the Governor of Edo State. He has the capacity to determine the direction of the state.
“That does not amount to fear of failure in facing any election, but rather putting the interest of the public above desperation to win an election.
“APC’s National Chairman, Comtade Adams Oshiomhole, is insisting on direct primary because the results of the yet-to-be-conducted direct primary election have already been written by him, just waiting to be announced.”
