He said: “It is important. It is very necessary to emphasise the fact that for us, it (Edo State) is a critical state strategically. I hope I would not be misinterpreted if I say it is also a must-win state.”
Chief Odigie-Oyegun said this at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, while inaugurating the Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led APC Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee.
He said the “challenging assignment” given to the committee was to arrest “the unfortunately deteriorating situation in Edo State,” by restoring peace and coming out with suggestions that would make the party become a dependable political force, ready to win in a free and fair election.”
He tasked the committee to inform all the governorship aspirants of the party’s commitment to providing a level playing field and organising free and fair primary poll on June 18.
The APC national chairman said the cases of intra-party disputes in the state were disturbing, adding that the disputes threatening development in the state which suffered suffered neglect under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.
Cracks have, in recent times, emerged in the ranks of the Edo APC, following alleged plans by Governor Adams Oshiomhole to impose his choice as his successor.
The deputy governor of the state, Dr Pius Odibu, who is also interested in succeeding the governor, recently alleged that he was nearly assassinated.
“We will not go back on the need for free and fair primaries, which mean that the party itself must be as neutral as possible.
“So, this is the message I want you to go with and to do everything that you can to arbitrate on matters in the state,” Oyegun said.
Speaking, Prince Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State, thanked the party for reposing confidence in the committee and promised to carry out the assignment “diligently without fear or favour”.
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