The battle for the sole governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State shifted to Lagos last night.
The meeting which was at the instance the Progressive Governors Forum, had the National Leader of the party, Mr. Bola Tinubu in attendance. The forum was led by its Chairman, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu.
The APC governors had two critical demands in their shopping lists – namely, granting of ‘right of first refusal’ to the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and the option for ‘Indirect Primary’.
The APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and some members of National Working Committee had recently approved the Direct mode to pick the party’s candidate.
The talk took place at the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at old State House, Marina, Lagos.
A source close to the APC national leader told Midwest Herald last night, minutes after the meeting ended that “he isn’t bothered”. But another insider gave more insight into the discussions.
According to the impeccable source, Tinubu declined the governors demands for indirect primaries and the right for first refusal.
“Asewaju told them that as a democrat, he prefers a contest that will be open for any interested party member and that the only way to give voice and opportunity to all was through the direct primary.
“However, he agreed that there was need for a level playing field that will guarantee a free and fair process.” Our source revealed.
The governors are expected to meet with number one leader of the party, President Mohammadu Buhari today at 3pm.
The proposed meeting may be the final and last opportunity for the ruling APC to save their ship from wreck.
In the delegation to Lagos were Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Obaseki himself, amongst others.