By Akinwale Kasali
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was a surprise member of the 49-man Team named by the Party to lead the Governorship campaign in Edo State, against Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The team which has Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, and Imo’s Governor Hope Uzodinma as Chairman and Deputy, respectively, also parades Lagos State’s Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and other Governors as members.
Recently sacked APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, also made the list.
This magazine gathered that Odigie-Oyegun may either publicly turn down the offer, or completely ignore it. He is a staunch supporter of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and openly disagreed with the party and Oshiomhole on the humiliation of Obaseki, which climaxed in denying him a second term ticket. Oyegun may not have been consulted before his name was put on the list.
However, it is not known if Oshiomhole will actively take part in the campaign, but he worked hard to see to the disqualification of Obaseki, and the nomination of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the candidate.
The constitution of the team comes less than three months to the September 19, 2020, Governorship election.
A 49-member high-level National Campaign Council for the September 19 Edo State Governorship Election has been selected by the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC.
Governor Obaseki will watch, perhaps, in shock, as four of his brother Governor- colleagues in his former party, will run him down while campaigning for Ize-Iyamu, their former political foe.
The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the appointment of the council followed the approval of the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.
The Full List of Members are as follow:
- H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Chairman
- H.E. (Sen.) Hope Uzodinma – Deputy Chairman
- Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege – Member
- H.E. Inuwa Yahaya – Member
- H.E. Alh. Yahaya Bello – Member
6.H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Member
7.H.E. (Chief) John Odigie-Oyegun – Member
- H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole – Member
- Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko – Member
- H.E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Member
- H.E. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu – Member
- H.E. Sen. Owelle Roachas Okorocha – Member
- H.E. Timipre Sylva – Member
- H.E. Dr. Pius Odubu – Member
- Sen. Degi Eremiemyo Biobaraku – Member
- H.E. Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor – Member
- H.E. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan -Member
- Sen. John Owan Enoh – Member
- Rt. Hon. E.J. Agbonayiman – Member
- Engr. Babachir Lawal – Member
- Prince B.B. Apugo – Member
- Gen. Charles Airhiavbere – Member
- Hon. Peter Akpatason – Member
- Hon. Patrick Alsowleren – Member
- Hon. Johnson Oghuma – Member
- Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Member
- Hon. Pally Iriase – Member
- Hon. Dennis Idahosa – Member
- Mrs. Rachel Akpabio – Member
- Mr. Bolaji Afeez – Member
- Engr. Gabriel Iduseri – Member
- Chief Cairo Ojougboh – Member
- Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
- Chief Ayiri Emami – Member
- Hon. Abubakar Adagu Suberu – Member
- Usman Nahuche – Member
- Engr. Chidi Orji – Member
- Dr. Almajiri Giadam – Member
- Sen. Sa’idu Umar Kumo – Member
- Chief Pius Akinyelure – Member
- Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi – Member
- Chief Solomon Edebiri – Member
- Prof. Ebegue Amadasun – Member
- Hon. Saturday Uwulekue – Member
- Hon. Osaro Obaze – Member
- Chief Samuel Ogbuku – Member
- Miss. Rinsola Abiola – Member
- Theresa Tekenel – Member
- Hon. Abbas Braimoh – Member/Secretary
