Edo2020: Ize-Iyamu condemns Obaseki’s opposition to direct primaries

…Ize-Iyamu favours direct primaies to curtail coronavirus pandemic

The biggest rival to Edo State Governor and aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has condemned the continued opposition of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki to the direct mode of primary for the party’s governorship slot.

The primary which is slated to hold on June 22, has continually put the governor at loggerheads with the National Working Committee (NWC) as it has maintained conducting direct primaries contrary to Obaseki’s preference for indirect mode.

While reacting to the issue, Ize-Iyamu, the consensus candidate by a faction loyal to the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, reiterated that the direct type of governorship primary election, approved on May 21 by the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC, was the most appropriate model to curtail the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Also read, The curse of godfatherism and Oshiomhole’s irrefutable clout in Edo politics

In a statement issued by his Director of Communication and Media, Prince John Mayaki on Tuesday, the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2016 election in the state, disclosed this to condemn assertions by Obaseki that direct primary would pose a public health risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “We have watched and listened with amusement, the very unintelligent argument being canvassed by Obaseki and his clan of jesters, in an attempt to stop the APC from holding a governorship primary election in Edo State.

Red more: Court orders APC to suspend Edo governorship primary

“Obaseki’s argument that conducting direct primary will aid the spread of coronavirus is most illogical. What will rather aid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic is indirect primary, his preferred mode, where over 5,000 delegates and officials, including journalists, will crowd Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in total disregard to the social distancing precautionary measure, one of the protocols put in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19.”