Edo 2024: I have not decided – Clem Agba

• But if by concesus, my Party says I’m qualified, why not?

By Kingsley Abavo, Benin

The immediate past Minister of State, National budget and planning, Clem Agba has denied being an anointed candidate of his political party: the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the up coming Edo State 2024 Governorship election.

The denial is coming amidst speculation in the air that the powers that be in the State APC, have anointed him as the sole candidate for the election.

Agba made the denial when he visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council on Thursday, 8 June, 2023.

It was not time yet to talk about if he would be running or not as the party primaries were not held yet, Agba said.

“The truth is that a lot of people have been talking to me that they think I should contest.

“But have I taken a decision? No; because the governorship goes beyond an individual; I have to consult with my family, friends and the party leadership; so all of that has to be done.

“If at the end of the day there is a concesus saying I am qualified or the party says this is what I should do, why not?

“The question is; do you think I have the capacity? Am I qualified? Do I have the neccessary experience?”

Agba held the party decides to zone or not to zone; but quickly pointed out that it was however not that stage yet.

Therefore; “no one can say somebody is an anointed candidate when the criterias have not been spelt.

“But I am not ruling out the fact that if the opportunity comes in the future I may not take it; already I am unemployed; Agba who is a mentee of the former Governor of the State and now Senator; Comr. Adams Oshiomhole humourously said.

He disclosed that he was in the State to show gratitude for all the support he got to had been made a Minister and successful completion of his time in office.

“After going to Church to thank God for successful completion of my time in office, I thought it was neccessary I come home to thank my mentor; comr. Adams Oshiomhole; to say thank you for the recommendation; the recognition.”

He also thanked members of the media for their support in terms of the reportage, critic and advise.