Edo APC Primaries: Obaseki Extends Olive Branch To Opponents

Mr Godwin Obaseki, winner of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC)
governorship primaries in Edo, said his victory was a collective one for him,
his co-contestants and the delegates.
In the result of the primaries announced in the early hours of Sunday at the
Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, venue of the exercise, Obaseki scored
1,618 votes to clinch victory.
He defeated 11 contestants, including his closest rival, Dr Pius Odubu, the
Deputy Governor of the state, who polled 471 votes.

The result was announced by Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina state, Chairman
of the committee charged with the conduct of the election.
In his acceptance speech after the announcement, Obaseki urged his co-
contestants to work with him to achieve victory for APC in the Sept. 10
governorship election in the state,
According to him, the primary election was only the first leg of other
challenges ahead.
“The delegates were true heroes of democracy. They have shown that indeed,
democracy has evolved and far more sophisticated than they have been given
credit for.
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“We have collectively decided who will fly the flag of our great party in Edo.
My greatest encouragement in this race was my co-contestants, this array of
accomplished individuals, including the deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu.
“I am indeed humbled by my nomination, but I will like to state that this is
our collective victory.
“As a party, we must continue to work as a team to deliver victory at the
Sept.10 governorship election. But, let me assure you that we will win,” he
said.
The party’s nominee said that the state had commenced another journey into
a brighter future, “a future which will define the state as a modern and
progressive state where every citizen is provided with opportunity to live life
to its fullness”.
He promised to build on the successes of Gov.Adams Oshiomhole.
In his remarks, Masari, who presented the Certificate of Return to Obaseki,
urged those who participated in the primaries to regard themselves as
winners and not losers.
He said that together the aspirants could and would make Edo and Nigeria
better.
“For those who are not lucky to be the flag bearer this time around, they
should get ready; four years in the life of a nation is so small, even in the life
of an individual.
“In politics, we have to learn to accept defeat and prepare for the next
election.
“May I appeal to the winner also to be magnanimous in victory because this
is the first leg.
“The second and most important is the general election, where you need the
support of not only the members of APC, but also other people of Edo State.
“For this reason, I call on you to extend the hands of fellowship to your
fellow contestants.
“And, for the contestants, take solace that it is only God that decides and
who chooses who to lead in a particular time,” Masari said.
He said that the committee adhered strictly to the rules and guideline
provided by the party in the conduct of the primaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC primaries which
started at about 9 a.m. with accreditation on Saturday came to a conclusion
at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. (NAN)