On Wednesday, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) conducted the screening of four gubernatorial aspirants in Edo state ahead of its Feb. 23 primary election.

The screening exercise, held in Abuja, saw the participation of Peter Okoeguale, Sebastian Iyere, Balogun Engeeleyeme, and Azehme Friday.

Senator AbdulRahman Abubakar, the chairman of the screening committee, addressed journalists at the commencement of the exercise.

He emphasized that the purpose of the screening was to ensure the emergence of a qualified candidate from the party’s primary election.

Abubakar said it was also to have a good candidate that could get victory for the party in the governorship election in September.

He said that the committee would, among others, look at the aspirants’ academic qualifications, party membership cards, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, voter cards, financial commitment and any waiver, where applicable.

“We will be very much interested in whoever emerges as our candidate, and hopefully the next governor of Edo and the kind of governance he is going to offer.

“The example we are laying in Kano State will also be extended to Edo State by the end of this year, God willing,” Abubakar said.

Other members of the committee were Adipo Johnson, Mustapha Alkassim, Ahmed Balewa and Bashir Abacha as secretary.

One of the aspirants, Sebastian, who is a priest in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, told journalists during the screening that he would turn Edo into an industrial hub of West Africa if elected.

“I will make Edo generate electricity, which is important for water, security and processing of our products.

“That will attract industries to Edo, which will provide jobs for our people. Electricity is the bedrock of development all over the world,” he said.

Asked of his view on zoning, Sebastian who is from Edo Central Senatorial District, said the decision was for the party, adding that by the constitution, he was qualified to run.

Another aspirant, Balogun, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pledged to tackle infrastructural deficit, develop healthcare and education sectors, if elected.

“I am a grassroots person and I am very conversant with the problems of the Edo people.

“I will improve the state’s agricultural sector, education and healthcare system. I will construct roads to ease transportation of goods,“ he said.

Another aspirant, Friday, who also described himself as a grassroots person, said he would impact lives and foster development in the state if elected.

Friday, a journalist, said he was already involved in tackling poverty and insecurity in the state and that the state government had acknowledged his efforts.

“I have a scholarship programme, and I have schools that pupils attend for free; I will continue to do more for the people,” he said.

On his part, Okoeguale said his decision to seek the NNPP ticket was taken after several engagements with stakeholders.

Okoeguale, who expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s candidate, promised to bring succour to the people of Edo if elected.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Shendam Yakubu, who also spoke during the exercise, said there would be level ground for all aspirants during the primary election.

“NNPP is a party of transparency, we don’t want to do what happened in All Progressives Congress (APC) where different candidates emerged at the primary” Yakubu said.

Edo 2024: NNPP screens four candidates ahead of guber poll

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