Esan youths caution APC against imposition of candidates in Edo

THE Esan Youth Movement (EYM) has cautioned against imposition of candidates by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State ahead of the 2019 elections.

It alleged that the party was planning to impose a candidate on the Edo Central Senatorial district to fly its ticket next year.

The group, which vowed to resist any such moves yesterday called on the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, to address the issues to avoid cracks and possible defections from the APC.

They also charged Governor Godwin Obaseki to address the issues in Edo South Senatorial district and give the Esan people the opportunity to decide their fate by choosing their candidate.

In a statement in Benin City, President of the group, Kingsley Ohens, explained that the people of Edo Central Senatorial district reserves their right to choose their leaders at all levels.

It also condemned what it described as the brazen act of imposition, saying it rejects imposition in its entirety.

EYM alleged that Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, acting on Obaseki’s instructions, ordered the five council chairmen in the district to impose the present Commissioner of Finance, as the party’s candidate in the area.

“One of the greatest pillars of democracy is the people’s inalienable right to choose their leaders and this explains why it is defined as government of the people, for the people and by the people,” it stated.

However, when contacted, Ogie said the allegation was not true, saying: “As a lawyer, I don’t believe in heresies.”