You would recall that the APC state Chairman, Barr. Anselm Ojezua had last week declared that his party, the APC has no candidate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, hence he is not campaigning. In a bid to get more details from him, journalists quickly accosted him at the gate of Edo State press Centre where he was seen driving out hastily in order to avoid the prying eyes of the journalists who were also trying to see who the important person in the car was. Upon sighting him, they quickly swam on him to confirm the report that emanated from the Social media where he stated that his party had no candidate in the election and as such there is no campaign for him this year until 2024.
He however confirmed the social media report by saying “yes, it is true I made the statement but I didn’t release it to the press and I don’t know how it got out. I said it over a lunch with party faithfuls who visited me to ascertain the development of things as it concerns the forthcoming election. I thought it was important to set the record straight. It is true we don’t have a candidate as a party and it is quite unfortunate despite my several warnings to members of the then EPM about the consequences of their desperate struggle for political power but they didn’t listen”.
“Recall our last acting national chairman of APC, Mr. Giadom had written to INEC informing them that he has not set up a committee to conduct any election in Edo and whatever they were doing there was a sham. And the letter was acknowledged by INEC. He didn’t withdraw the letter before he handed over to the new chairman, the Yobe state government and as such that letter still stands. I also made my statement then when I said I haven’t seen any of the APC aspirants apart from the two that submitted themselves to me. And the two were eventually disqualified. So, I am in alignment with the statement of my former acting national chairman, Mr. Giadom that we have no candidate in this Edo election and it is very unfortunate.
When journalists asked him what the plans are now that it has been confirmed APC has no candidate for the election, he said “ we need to regroup and remind ourselves about the ideals that brought us together and take a decision whether we want to follow those ideals or pursue our individual ideals. I believe this kind of discussion is very important in order to effectively prepare for 2024. Essentially, we are looking at 2024 now because this one is gone” he added.
