Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. John Inegbedion, has been tipped to pick the Edo Central Senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His chances received a boost, on Saturday, when the Esan Mandate Group within the APC endorsed his candidacy.
National Coordinator of the group, James Onoriase, attributed their support for Inegbedion to the political leadership he provided in Igueben Local Government Area.
He said the group has begun wooing APC members in the five local governments of the district to vote for Inegbedion.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC in Edo Central who does not want his name in print, has said that the APC structure is in support of Inegbedion.
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Inegbedion was said to have the backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the entire APC structure in the Senatorial district.
He is currently the longest-serving Commissioner in the state, having first served for eight years under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
His main contender for the ticket, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, has reportedly stepped down from the race and promised to work with the APC structure in the locality.
Inegbedion would, however, have to battle the APC ticket with a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Ikharhiale.