APC faces litmus test in Edo
A number of uncertainties are dogging the preparations of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo governorship election, scheduled to hold on September 19. As the ruling at the centre and until recently in the Southsouth state, all eyes are on the APC. Deputy Political EditorTHE forthcoming governorship election in Edo State may end up as a dress rehearsal for 2023 general elections, particularly for the ruling All Progressives Congress .
The APC is clearly divided in Edo State and the national level. The crisis has divided the governors elected on the platform of the party. Thirteen governors are said to be backing the Abiola Ajimobi-led National Working Committee , while seven others are opposed to it. But, it has opened a fresh crisis in the party at the national level. The judgment implies that Oshiomhole’s membership of the APC and his continued stay as its national chairman is in jeopardy.
He had pursued with zeal the frustration of Obaseki out of the party. But the Appeal Court ruling appears to have taken the wind out of the sails of the party’s preparation for the September 19 election. But, a replay of the Zamfara scenario may be in the offing. This is based on the accusation of the Deputy National Chairman , Lawal Shuaibu that Oshiomhole violated the party’s constitution by unilaterally appointing a national secretary; the office is an elective position.
These are some of the issues that may rear its ugly head in court during post-election litigation. The litigation may see the candidature of Oshiomhole’s anointed candidate nullified in the long run. The Screening Committee, headed by Prof. Jonathan Mamu Ayuba, decided to disqualify Obaseki following a petition by Chisimdi M. Chima of Shores and Savanna International Law Firm.
Oshiomhole spoke glowingly about Obaseki at the same campaign; praising his integrity and the contribution he made to whatever he, the former governor, achieved in his eight-year tenure. What is certain nevertheless is that Obaseki cannot be underrated. For one thing, the incumbency factor is in his favour. Defeating an incumbent governor can be a tough nut to crack because they are on the ground and usually have access to funds to finance their campaigns.
The Edo State governor is believed to be negotiating to contest the election with Shaibu as his running. It is not clear whether his wish would be granted by the party. The disagreement between the former governor and the successor he single-handedly installed had defied every attempt by the party bigwigs to reconcile them. The feud has polarised the Edo State chapter of the APC.
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