From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The quest for Edo Central Senatorial District to produce the governor of the state in the current dispensation appears to be a pipe dream‎, going by developments in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
‎There are four serious aspirants from the central district, who have already obtained their party nomination and expression of interest forms on the platform of the APC. They are former Governor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Kenneth Imansuangbon, Comrade Peter Esele and Tina Agbarha.
‎There is no aspirant from the area on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 10 governorship election.
‎Information emanating from a meeting of political leaders from the Central Senatorial District with Governor Oshiomhole, indicates that the ambitition of aspirants from the district has been foreclosed.
‎Sources at the meeting hinted that the governor told the leaders to impress it on the aspirants from the district to bury their ambitions.
‎Though the APC on paper, does not have a zoning formula, it has been clear from the beginning that Governor Oshiomhole had committed himself to supporting a Benin candidate for the governorship seat in appreciation for the massive support he received from the Benin people, especially from the Oba of Benin in his two terms.
The Esan leaders were said to have demanded for the deputy governoship seat as compensation, but Osh‎iomhole was said to have told them the matter was for the party leaders and the candidate to decide.
‎He was also said to have denied alleged marginalisation of the Esan people by his government, as well as having a hand in the removal of Hon. Victor Edoror as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
According to him, he could not marginalise Esan people when his children are also from the area.
Meanwhile, a leader from Central Senatorial District has hinted that the district has not agreed to Governor Oshiomhole’s position, as they are yet to meet to take a position on the matter.
He said the meeting with Oshiomhole was for the governor to pacify them, adding that the Esan leaders at the meeting had reminded him that the real leaders‎ were not present.
The leader also disclosed that before any decision could be reached, the entire leadership of the Esan people must consult with aspirants from the district.

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Ovia APC delegates endorse Obaseki

Leaders and 161 delegates of Ovia North East local government area of Edo State have  unanimously endorsed Mr Godwin Obaseki as their sole candidate in the September 10 governorship election.
The All Progressives Congress, (APC) Deputy Leader of the local government area, Chief Akenwe who announced the endorsement alongside top government officials in Benin City, prayed for the realisation of the ambition of Obaseki, assuring that they would not disappoint him as he has been fingered to be outstanding of the multitude of aspirants.
The leaders and delegates from the 13 wards in the local government, who were led by the Chairman of the Ovia APC, Comrade Benson Edosomwan said they have looked at all the aspirants in the race and have found Obaseki more worthy of the governorship seat as he has put in his resources and time to serve the state in the last seven and half years.
Comrade Benson added that the confidence reposed in him by delegates of the local government area is 100 per cent and assured him that they would be solidly behind him to ensure he emerges governor.
He noted that 161 out of 186 delegates have signed their signatures to endorse the aspirant, describing the event as historic.
“The delegates of Ovia North East have resolved to speak with one voice. We are speaking and making it loud and clear that what we want to do today is historic”.
Addressing the leaders and delegates, the Director of Campaign to Obaseki, Osarodion Ogie thanked the delegates for their unwavering support and declared that politics is interesting but if played without a leader, one is like a lost sheep.
He assured the delegates that Obaseki would live up to expectation and create jobs for the people of the state when elected as governor of the state.
Responding, the Chairman of the State Economic and Strategy team, Mr Godwin Obaseki thanked all the delegates and leaders for their teeming support.
“I want to thank you for your honour, for your confidence and I assure you, you have not made a mistake and by the grace of God, you will start seeing the benefit very soon”.
On his entourage were Chief of Staff to Gov Oshiomhole, Patrick Obayagbon, Commissioner of Justice, Henry Idahagbon, Commissioner for Land and Survey, Hon Joseph Ayegberu Ugheoke, and Hon Chris Okaeben representing Oredo West constituency at the State House of Assembly.