Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, has rejected the screening report for the Edo State APC Gubernatorial aspirants.
In a bold move, he has directed that two prominent names, Gen. Charles Arhiavbere and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, be excluded from the committee’s recommendation.
Oshiomhole’s rejection of the screening report comes as a shock to many, as it is uncommon for a party stalwart of his stature to openly disagree with the recommendations made by the screening committee.
The exclusion of Gen. Charles Arhiavbere and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the committee’s recommendation raises eyebrows, as both aspirants are considered to be strong contenders for the APC ticket in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections.
Airhiavbere, a former Army General, is believed not to be in the good books of a major party leader over their rivalry in the past while Pastor Ize-Iyamu who is believed to have strong connections around the state and with a capacity to win the election for the party, it is feared, may not be too loyal if he becomes governor despite having a working manifesto that will transform Edo state.