Edo guber: Rep insists on seeking APC ticket despite ‘disqualification’ by screening panel

Anamero Dekeri, a member of the house of representatives, says a screening panel will not stop him from vying to be the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo state governorship election.

Dekeri spoke in Abuja on Monday in reaction to reports that a screening panel led by Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader of the house of representatives, has screened him and others out from participating in the next month’s primary election of the party.

The reports said only six – Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Clem Agba, Lucky Imasuen, Dennis Idahosa, David Imuse, and Monday Okpebholo – out of over 20 aspirants were cleared to contest the primary.

The panel has not put out any statement officially on its work while the lawmaker said the committee’s report “lacked merit”.

“It was resolved and agreed that the committee has to be fair to all aspirants and as stated in its terms of reference that their role is only an advisory one,” Dekeri said.

“As expected all aspirants subjected themselves to the screening in accordance with the terms of reference of the committee.

“However, the report presented by the committee totally betrayed the true performance of the aspirants and lacked in merits.

“This was observed even by the state party leaders who set up the committee and were proposing an appeal committee to right the wrong before the attention of the house was drawn to the effect that the national working committee of our great party has clarified the appropriate organ that has the locus standi to screen aspirants after they procure and submit the expression and nomination forms in accordance with section 84 of the electoral act as amended.

“I wish to use this opportunity to thank my teeming supporters and party faithful for their unwavering support for my aspiration as the leading aspirant in expressing my dissent.

“I will not waver in my determination and resolve to vie for the APC ticket in the Edo 2024 governorship race.”

The lawmaker added that the contest for the ticket should be a “vigorous competition of ideas, values and leadership qualities”.