BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN—AHEAD of the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, former governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, yesterday, said the search for Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s successor must start in earnest in order to find a credible candidate for the people of the state.

It will be recalled that Dr. Ogbemudia and his Enunuedo group had, last year, expressed the desire to search for a credible Bini son to succeed Oshiomhole.

The elder statesman, however, pointed out that the search will not be limited to the seven local government areas in Edo South, but also Edo North and Central senatorial districts.

He commenced the consultation with a visit to Oghovbe community in Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Area of the state, where he interacted with the Hausa and Ijaw community leaders in the area.

Addressing the people, Ogbemudia pointed out that the search became necessary to sustain Oshiomhole’s developmental strides after 2016, adding that his group will ensure the emergence of a credible candidate, irrespective of the political party the person might belong.

He said: “Oshiomhole has done well for Edo State and her people and that is why we must not go back to the dark ages. We believe that the search for Oshiomhole’s successor must be thorough and that is why we don’t need to wait till 2016. That will mean waiting till the eleventh hour and that will not help us to get a credible candidate.”