Why we disqualified Obaseki – APC Screening Committee 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has given reasons for the disqualification of the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki from for the June 22 primaries. Among others it said Obaseki did not present his Higher School Leaving Certificate. The Chairman of the Screening Committee, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, gave the explanation at a press conference attended by the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Ayuba also said the committee could not also ascertain the “authenticity of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate” as it had the name ‘Godwin Obasek’ on it.

According to him, the governor had not made any move to correct the “anomaly.” “The committee recommended that he is not eligible to contest in the election.” Ayuba said the committee also disqualified Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi over a discrepancy in the names on his credentials. But Dr. Pius Odubu and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu were cleared to contest. Receiving the report, Oshiomhole commended the committee for a thorough job and for working on Democracy Day.

He said aspirants who disagree with the committee’s report can approach the Appeal Committee of the party.

“The Appeal Committee will look into the grouses of aspirants who were disqualified. So they can approach the committee as they has been put on notice to attend to any complains,” Oshiomhole said.

Meanwhile, Obaseki has said he would not appeal the outcome of the screening which disqualified him.

In a statement by his spokesman,  Mr Crusoe Osagie, the governor said he watched the “mockery of the democratic proces which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is administering and superintending” over in his party. “It has been an unfortunate, disheartening, and dreadful spectacle. “Going by the open display and enthronement of illegality by one man in the party that comprises several organs and eminent personalities, there is no way l will get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of candidates to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election. “It is unfortunate that this “open show of shame, illegality, and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Comrade Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into.

The situation is quite saddening because this is a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice. “We have, therefore, decided that it would be an effort in futility to appeal whatever the unjust outcome of the evaluation and screening process of the APC will be, especially when Comrade Oshiomhole has declared that he is the Supreme Court and ultimate determiner of the fate and future of our great party. “We wish Oshiomhole well in his maladministration of the party and trust that the Almighty will help our country to find the path to true liberty, freedom, and justice,” Obaseki said.

On his next line of action, he called on party members and his teeming supporters to remain calm and await further directives.