Two people have withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship direct primary election holding today.

They are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Lucky Imasuen.

While Ize-Iyamu withdrew from the race on Friday, Imasuen’s withdrawal letter was publicised on Saturday morning.Twenty -nine aspirants initially indicated interest in contesting for the ticket but some dropped their ambitions. This left the party’s National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee, led by Prof Taoheed Adedoja to clear 12 aspirants for the primary

Here is a list of those still in the race:

SENATOR PROF OSARHIEMEN OSUNBOR:

Prof Osunbor from Iruekpen, Edo Central is no doubt one of the most experienced aspirants of the party, having been in the Senate for eight years before he was elected Governor in 2007. 

He was Governor for 18 months before the court sacked him. Pundits say he has the legislative and executive experience and capacity to navigate but may lack the financial muscle to prosecute elections.

CHARLES AIRHIAVBERE

Airhiavbere is a retired chief accountant of the Nigerian Army. The immediate past executive Director Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) contested the governorship election in 2012 but lost to Oshiomhole.

PRINCE CLEM AGBA

Prince Agba from Uzanu, Etsako East Local Government Area, was the Minister of Budget and National Planning under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was a commissioner during the eight years of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Pundits said he has experience, capacity and goodwill, having worked under Oshiomhole and Buhari for 12 years. 

DEKERI ANAMERO

Anamero is a member of the House of Representatives for Etsako federal constituency. He is a successful businessman and a philanthropist who has impacted the people through his foundation. 

DR EARNEST AFOLABI UMAKHIHE

Dr Afolabi is among the last aspirants to join the race on the APC platform. He is the immediate past Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Umakhihe joined the race with a promise of fresh hope. But it is speculated his district may work against him as the party is said to be considering aspirants from Edo South and Edo Central.

RT.HON. DENIS IDAHOSA

Idahosa, from the Edo South Senatorial district, is a two-time member of the House of Representatives for Ovia federal constituency. He is believed to have the backing of some APC stakeholders in the state. Pundits said winning the House of Reps and State Assembly for the APC gave him an edge over other aspirants and could work in his favour. 

SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO

Okpebholo, also known as Akpakomiza, is the senator representing Edo Central District. He is the first politician to dethrone the PDP in Edo Central district by defeating former Senator Clifford Ordia. He is believed to be in the good books of party leaders in the State. 

DR DAVID IMUSE

Imuse is a retired army officer and the immediate state chairman of the APC. One of his major weaknesses was that under his tenure as APC chairman, the party went into slumber and couldn’t provide vibrant opposition. 

DR BLESSING AGBONMHERE

He is the immediate past zonal organising secretary (South-South) and from Senator Oshiomhole’s district. He is a young politician and many believe he is in the race to test his popularity.

ENGR. GIDEON IKHINE

Ikhine is from Esan West Local Government. He was the PDP Director- General for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020 when he left the APC. Gideon decamped to the APC last year.