By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—AHEAD of Saturday’s ward congresses of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, the leadership of the party in the state has warned those holding government positions against vying for positions in their wards in order not to violate the constitution of the party.

The party is conducting elective congresses in the 192 wards of the state. The situation has kept the state party secretariat busy as party leaders were observed to have gone to their localities with a view to ensuring success of the exercise.

Governor Godwin Obaseki met with the leaders of the party across the 18 local government areas of the state Tuesday where he asked them to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The governor was said to have reminded them that the PDP lost its members due to the party’s alleged impunity,  undemocratic practices and lack of internal democracy. He  urged them not to repeat the mistakes of the opposition party.

However, the state chairman of the APC,  Ojezua, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday, said: “Preparations for our congresses are in top gear. Everybody has gone to his ward and unit to prepare. What we said is that those who have appointments with government cannot hold office in the party, they cannot vie for positions because the constitution says that if you are in government you cannot hold two offices.”