TheCable

Saliu Ahmed, managing director of Benin/Owena River Basin Development Authority, has been picked to head a committee to mobilise support for Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state.

The organisation – Leaders of Thought in Edo North – is made up of people across party lines.

The group is working towards wooing traditional and opinion leaders to support Ize-Iyamu and ensure he emerges victorious at the Edo APC gubernatorial primary poll fixed for June 22, a statement said.

Speaking after a meeting of the team, Ahmed said their “core mandate” is to ensure that the people of Edo north district “speak with one at the primaries.”

Ahmed, a deputy governorship candidate in 2007, also pledged support to Adams Oshiomhole, APC national chairman.

The MD did not name members of his mobilisation team.

The statement further quoted Ozimede Itsema, a political analyst, as saying the MD was picked because of his “political integrity” and network of friends across party divides.

“Besides, Engr. Ahmed enjoys a long standing and chummy relationship with President Buhari, dating back to their days at the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF which is very much needed now,” Itsema said.

“Engr. Ahmed is one of the well known political associates of Mr President in the entire Edo North district. Both men have endured a temptious political sojourn, stretching all the way from the ANPP to the CPC and, now, the APC”.

Oshiomhole is backing Ize-Iyamu to be the flag bearer of the party in the governorship election fixed for September.

Ize-Iyamu will contest for the party’s ticket with Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state.

Apart from Ize-Iyamu and Obaseki, there are four other contestants in the race for the ticket.