Some members of the National Assembly from Edo state have declared support for Mr Godwin Obaseki of All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 10 September governorship election.
The legislators, who came to the party secretariat in Abuja in their numbers, were led by Sen. Francis Alimikhena (Edo North).
Alimikhena said even artisans in the state contributed to the purchase of Obaseki’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
He said, “of all the aspirants that had shown interest in the ticket, Obaseki is in a better position to carry on from where Gov. Adams Oshiomhole stopped.
“He has been the chairman of the state economic team for the last eight years. He is a team player and understands the issues affecting the state at the moment.’’
Rep. Parry Iriase said Obaseki “has the blueprint to take Edo from being a civil service state to an industrialised state.’’
Also eyeing the Edo Government House is former President of The Trade Union Congress, Peter Esele.
Esele said he would run the state based on providing quality education, agriculture and transformation of the economy.
He said Edo state could survive on the production of palm oil alone if properly harnessed, adding that about 70 per cent of palm oil consumed in Nigeria was imported.
“As a former labour leader, I understand the dynamics of taking decisions that affect the people. I will first find out how Gov. Oshiomhole arrived at the N25,000 minimum wage for workers in the state and decide whether to increase or sustain it’’, he said.
Esele and Obaseki bring to eight, the number of aspirants that have shown interest in the Edo gubernatorial race.
The party’s primary, to choose the flabearer, will take place on 18 June .