By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN CITY—Ahead the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, a former governor of old Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia has urged political leaders in Edo North senatorial district of the state to look beyond party interest and assist other senatorial districts in the search for a credible successor to Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He spoke when he led leaders of Edo Mass Movement, EMM, to Edo North senatorial district. The elder statesman met with Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Alhaji Usman Shagadi, Chief Bruno Oshekpekai, Johnson Abulagba and many others.

Ogbemudia who stressed the need for the developmental projects of Governor Oshiomhole to be consolidated, warned of the dangers of supporting a candidate, who the people of the state do not know his track records, adding that Oshiomhole’s successor must be one that has been “tested and trusted.”

According to him, “The message I came to bring to the leaders of Edo North is good governance. Days are gone when we emphasis political parties as the only credible means of producing candidates. That is true but we must now all look at who the candidate is before giving our support. Oshiomhole has raised the bar, therefore, we don’t want one who will come and destroy his efforts.”

…As group moves for credible primaries

Efforts for Growth, CEG, yesterday in Benin City, Edo State, said it has set machinery in place through an online opinion poll platform to ensure internal democracy in political party primaries was adhered to by political parties in deciding who emerges their candidates for the 2016 governorship election in Edo State.

Scott Osegbowa, CEG chief facilitator, who briefed newsmen, said: “Our major objective through the NAFULON website online survey is solely to open up a platform to get the views of Edo voters on who would be their preferred candidate come 2016.

“This noble effort will not only compliment our democracy but also act as a guide to political parties on who becomes their flag bearer in line with the wishes of the electorate,” he said.

He added that in modern time as obtainable in developed democracies, opinion poll is a veritable instrument for gauging popularity of aspirants and an effective medium through which the electorate can have a voice in party decisions.

Urging Edo people to participate in the online survey, he maintained that, as a proactive public policy advocacy organisation, CEG based nominations for the poll on interest and perceived capacity of the various personalities.