The development emerged on Saturday during the screening of aspirants held at the APC State Secretariat along Ikpokpan Road in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City.
The exercise attracted a large turnout of party leaders, supporters and security personnel as aspirants from the 18 local government areas arrived at the venue as early as 8am for accreditation and verification of credentials.
Speaking during the screening, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Okoebor stated that serving lawmakers seeking re election were asked to take a bow before the committee since their credentials had already been submitted and verified ahead of the exercise.
He assured aspirants that the screening would be conducted with fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the party’s constitution as well as electoral guidelines.
“We are committed to ensuring a transparent and credible process that will produce the best candidates for the party,” Okoebor said.
Some of the aspirants who spoke with journalists praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the screening, describing the exercise as professional and well organised.
The huge revenue generated from the sale of forms reflects the intense political interest surrounding next year’s Assembly election in Edo State, with competition already building across the 24 constituencies.