Political stakeholders in Edo South Senatorial District have called for a transparent and competitive process in selecting the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the district ahead of the next election cycle.

The group, under the aegis of the Edo South Stakeholders Forum (ESSF), said maintaining an open and credible primary process would help strengthen party unity and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.

They noted that the appeal aligns with the commitment of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to mobilise strong electoral support for the president in future elections.

Edo South is widely regarded as the political hub of the state and accounts for a significant portion of the state’s voting population.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, the coordinator of the forum, Comrade Benson Ordia Osaretin, alongside Secretary Imafidon Agbaka and other leaders, urged party leaders to ensure that all aspirants are given a level playing field during the party’s primary process.

According to the group, allowing a transparent contest would help sustain the goodwill currently enjoyed by the party in the state and encourage wider participation among party members.

“Edo South cannot be taken for granted. The people should be given the opportunity to support a candidate of their choice through a credible democratic process,” the group said.

The stakeholders also appealed to Governor Okpebholo, as leader of the APC in Edo State, to support an open primary process that would strengthen internal democracy within the party.

Several prominent figures have been mentioned in political circles as possible contenders for the APC’s Edo South senatorial ticket. They include former governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen, businessman Hon. Valentine Asuen and Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu.

Observers say early consultations and mobilisation among aspirants are already underway as political activities gradually build ahead of future elections.

The stakeholders maintained that a transparent process would help the party maintain unity and strengthen its support base across the district.