NNPP Edo Primary:  Pastor Azena Friday Emerges Victorious

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

NNPP Edo Primary: Pastor Azemhe Azena Friday has emerged victorious as Edo State gubernatorial flagbearer for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) onwards the governorship election in the state.

He emerged at a well organised primary held at the Depraisery event center on Ugbor Road, Benin-city,

.Members of an electoral committee set up by the National Working Committee of NNPP, was on ground and ensured a hitch-free process.

Commenting on the process that saw to the emergence of Pastor Azena Friday, Secretary of the Electoral Committee, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, the Secretary to the Committee, told The Eagle correspondent:

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“Despite initial challenges, the NNPP Edo Governorship Primary showcased our dedication to democratic principles and the selection of a candidate reflective of the people’s choice”.

According to Ambassador Ajadi, the committee did its job and the candidates comported themselves.

The Eagle also reports that the committee to the NNPP Edo Primary was led by Sen. Kawu Sumaila as chairman and has members including notable figures such as Chief Collins Onuaha, Professor Yahaya Sani Mohammed, Oguntoyinbo Olufemi Ajadi, and Ahmed Khamisu Mailantarki.

 Their responsibility in overseeing the primary was crucial given the aspirations of prominent individuals vying for the gubernatorial position.

Before the official commencement at the Depraisery event centre, aspirants underwent individual interviews at Pefas Hotel, Benin-city. The committee initially aimed for consensus but, with unsuccessful attempts, proceeded to the primary venue. Challenges arose concerning the delegate list’s authenticity, requiring intervention and clarification before the process could proceed.

Delegate accreditation started at 2:05 PM, with each of Edo State’s 18 Local Government Areas conducting immediate voting after accreditation. A total of 360 votes were cast, resulting in Pastor Azemhe Azena Friday securing an impressive 211 votes. The validation process confirmed 353 votes as valid, with 7 votes declared void.

Chairman Sen. Kawu Sumaila officially announced the results, stating, “Pastor Azemhe Azena Friday emerges as the NNPP gubernatorial candidate for the 2024 election in Edo State.” The result sheet was handed over to INEC staff and the police in the presence of the press, marking the conclusion of a thorough and successful primary election.

Responding to journalists after his victory, Pastor Azemhe Azena Friday expressed gratitude for the support received, emphasizing the pivotal role of each delegate in embodying the essence of democracy. He sees the victory as laying the foundation for a future prioritizing the welfare and prosperity of every citizen in Edo.

As the victor, Pastor Azemhe Azena Friday now leads a dedicated team into the broader electoral arena, centered around the principles of good governance – transparency, accountability, and collective well-being.

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Addressing the electorate directly, he acknowledged the significance of their voices and pledged to be the steward of their hopes and dreams.

Pastor Azena’s vision for Edo revolves around inclusivity, progress, and shared prosperity. He called for unity, envisioning a future where Edo stands as a beacon of good governance.

“My co-contesters, we are all victors.

“I appreciate the collective journey embarked upon, hoping for a future marked by triumph and success for the people of Edo,” he said.