INEC approves direct primary for Edo APC amid Obaseki, Oshiomhole war of words

Ahead of the Edo State governorship primary scheduled for 19th June, 2020, the Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the direct mode of primary election for governorship aspirants.

The INEC announced this development amid war of words between the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

Obaseki who is contesting for the second tenure of office, had earlier kicked against the direct mode of primary proposed by the National Working Committee of the APC.

The law banning any form of political gathering is operative in Edo State as a response to Oshiomhole’s plans to outwit the governor.

The official gazette of Edo State to that effect was signed on May 28 and published on Friday, banned political gatherings that could make direct primary possible in the state.

Lending support to the gazette, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu on Tuesday announced that all political parties in the state must obey the regulations spelt out in its gazette aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in the conduct of primary elections.

Shaibu said: “Gazettes must be respected in the State, hence, no political party would hold primary elections in Edo State.

Oshiomhole, Obaseki have earlier challenged each other over degree certifocates with Oshiomhole saying that Obaseki’s University of Ibadan certificate was doubtful.
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Reacting, the Edo State governor insisted that the APC national Chairman does not have any cerrificate to prove.