EDO 2020 : ABURI PACT CRUMBLES AS MORE ASPIRANTS PICK NOMINATION FORMS.

By Mike ALADENIKA.



The "aburi pact" entered into by aspirants eyeing the Denis Osadebe Avenue, government house, seat of Edo State governor, by the Edo Peoples' Movement (EPM) group of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo state, appears to have headed for the rock as aspirants who had hitherto subscribed to the "pact" have chosen to go their different ways, not minding the initial agreement reached.

By the close of work on Monday, no fewer than three of the members of the EPM have purchased the expression of interest form to aspire for the number one seat in Edo State. Thus bringing to four the aspirants from the EPM while two is deemed to have come from Governor Obaseki side of the APC.

The aspirants are now the incumbent governor, Godwin OBASEKI, and  Pastor Osagie IZE-Iyamu, both of whom were believed to be the arch-rivals in the contest.  But before the initial close of sales of forms, last week Friday, another entrant came into the scene, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen whom some political watchers described as the "joker" or "surprise" from the OBASEKI group.

The entrance of Iduoriyekemwen took most APC members in Edo state by surprise, which had to make many to go back to the drawing board to redesign  their project.

Many pundits say there is a likelihood of both Obaseki and ize iyamu not flying which will now make an "Otedola" of  Iduoriyekemwen which to some is not acceptable, thus the need to reopen the already closed sales of forms to accommodate more aspirants.

Top politicians, financiers, and other stake holders we're reported to have held meetings to produce what they termed "a stabilizing candidate". Upon varrious consideration of prominent Edo sons  for this assignment, former Oredo Council boss, Osaro Obaze emerged from that calculation and had to pick his nomination form on Monday.

This game plan did not however go down well with "the original EPM members" who then said the prospect of saucing Osaro Obaze to join the race is not acceptable as he is believed not to be a member of the group but has sympathy for their course. This then prompted the likes of the former Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu and former Minister Chris Ogiemwonyi to pick their nomination forms on Monday to now bring the total numbers of aspirants to six.

It is however not certain what effect the new entrants may have on pastor ize iyamu's aspiration  even as Dr. Pius Odubu was reported to have said "POI is not a registered member of the party APC".

While the EPM group may appear to be going through "a not too pleasant moment" now,with regards to the aspiration of its members, the OBASEKI group appears to be gaining more grounds and scoring more political points.

Reports say the progressive governors forum are leaving no stone unturned to galvanize support for one of their own, Godwin OBASEKI. Their efforts to initiate a meeting with the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may appear, to some, as not successful but many say it's an attempt in the right direction.

Similarly, the meeting of the Progressive Governor's with Mr President and subsequent personal presentation of his form to  President Buhari, Governor Goodwin Obaseki is believed to have scored a higher political goal over and above his other contemporaries

While political watchers are waiting for further actions in the political space, it is no longer certain who will likely contest the party primary of the APC as many more may still show interest to pick up their forms to contest the primary. But one fact is obvious, that it is no longer a straight fight between the incumbent governor and pastor Osagie IZE-Iyamu for the party's ticket.

More worrisome now, to many, is the latest directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directing parties to provide the updated register of their members, should the opt for Direct primary while they are also expected to provide a comprehensive list of delegates if they chose indirect primary.

The last is yet to be heard about the process to the APC Party primary as it is expected to unveil many more intrigues.
#SPARKNEWSNAIJA.(SNN)