Obaseki clinches APC ticket in Edo

Godwin Obaseki, chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team, has emerged candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 10 governorship election. Obaseki defeated 11 other candidates, including Pius Odubu, deputy governor of the state.

According to Aminu Masari, governor of Katsina state and leader of the party’s national delegation that conducted the election, the exercise was peaceful and transparent. Announcing the results at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Masari said Obaseki scored 1,618 votes, while Pius Odubu, his closest rival, who is the current deputy governor, polled 471 votes.

Chris Ogiemwonyi, former minister of state for works, secured 137 votes; Ken Imasuagbon, had 247 votes; and Osariemen Osunbor, former governor of the state, got eight votes. Ebegue Amadasu, also polled eight votes; Charles Airhiabvere, a retired general, garnered 11 votes, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, 10 votes; Austin Emuan, seven votes; Blessing Agbomhere, fives votes, and the only female aspirant, Mrs. Tina Agbarha, got three votes.

Masari said 41 votes were invalid. A total of 2582 delegates partook in the exercise. Obaseki holds post graduate degrees in both finance and international business, and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria.