By IKEM ANTHONY KALZEENI

A group of Edo State youths and women have bought Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Governor Godwin Obaseki from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The forms cost the group N12 million.

The group made up mainly of youths said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and man opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not credible platforms for the Governor to seek re-election, adding that they want him to contest on ADC platform.

Speaking during the purchasing of the forms at the party Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, the group’s spokesman, Albert Evbuomwuan, said: “Edolites resident in Abuja and those at home have taken it upon themselves to choose a most credible platform for their Governor towards the coming election.

“To this effect; they have decided to purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the embattled Governor of their state.”

Continuing, Evbuomwuan said: “We the people of Edo State are in ADC Headquarters, Abuja, to register and buy the governorship form for Governor Obasaki. APC and PDP are not the solution. This fight against him, which unfortunately is a fight against the people of Edo State, must be fought on a neutral clean party, which is the reason we have approached ADC, the best alternative party.

“ADC will beat both PDP and APC hands-down in Edo State because Edo State people are tired of PDP and APC disappointments. We want something new. ADC should give Obasaki the opportunity to contest for Edo State governorship election under ADC. That’s why we are here in ADC National Office, Abuja, to register and buy governorship form for Governor Obaseki. He is a hard worker trying to fix things in Edo State. He is leading Edo State out of bad leadership and corrupt elite-have-it-all kind of governance.”

Also speaking, Smith Osazele, from Esan East, said they were at the ADC National Secretariat to support Obaseki, emphasising that what they need is a Governor that will lead the state to progress.

Receiving the delegation, Mr. Nzekwesi Samuel Emeka, Personal Assistant to ADC National Chairman, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weakness in leadership across board in the country, noting that governance in Edo and other states has derailed.

He commended the people of Edo State for purchasing the ADC governorship form, saying that the party stands as a credible alternative for Obaseki to achieve his second term ambition.

In his comments, ADC Chairman in the FCT, Hon. Ndukwa Lawrence, said that Edo youth have taken a very bold step to rescue Edo State.

He recalled that during the 2016 campaign, Oshiomhole told the people that “Godwin Obaseki is a good man and because of his name, he will win.”

According to him, the youth are at liberty to choose the person they feel is the best to rule them. “In ADC we leave the right to choose the leader in the hands of the people. If he (Governor Obaseki) contests in ADC he will win and do better than PDP or APC,” Mr. Lawrence said.

He accused both the ruling party and the major opposition party of the imposition of candidates, adding, “God will make it possible for Obaseki to win. We will support you.”