Edo Guber 2024: Groups, residents disagree over zoning
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
The convener of the group, "Edo 2024: Governorship From Edo Central, GOFEC", Dr. Jude Obasanmi, in a recent chat with newsmen, said; come 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Edo North and Edo South Senatorial districts, should in the spirit of unity, that Edo state is known for, support Edo central to produce the next governor of the state.
According to Dr. Obasanmi; '...for Equity, Fairness and Justice and for the peaceful coexistence of Edo people, there is the need for Edo central to produce the next governor of Edo state...'
Continuing, he said, Edo central has in time past supported both Edo North as well as Edo South to emerge as the governor of Edo state, saying it is not out of place if the other two Senatorial districts should in the spirit of oneness, also Support Edo central candidates, irrespective of the political party platforms they are contesting under, to emerge as the next governor of Edo state. Saying, this is what GOFEC stand for.
It can be recalled that Hon. Charles Idahosa, a one time All Progressive Congress, APC, chieftain, who is now one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo South Senatorial district, earlier kicked against the idea of zoning the Governorship position to any Senatorial district, saying, the constitution does not support the idea of zoning.
Also, recently, it was reported that, the Trustees of a group, "Benin Development Union", Edo South, has shortlisted four Benin sons for Edo 2024 Governorship race.
As the race for the 2024 gubernatorial election gathers momentum, many people, including groups, as well as Political and Traditional leaders have been agitating for the next governor of Edo state to be of Esan extraction.
Recently, Traditional Rulers from Edo Central Senatorial District, led by the Onojie of Uromi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie and other prominent Esan leaders, visited the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, to solicit for his support for the emergence of an Edo governor of Esan extraction come 2024.
However, a number of aspirants from the major Political parties, including APC, PDP and Labour Party have signified interest to contest for the 2024 Edo Governorship race.