By Chidimma Onwuka

Ahead of the September 21 Edo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party has cleared its 10 aspirants to participate in the party’s primary election scheduled for February 22.

One of the 10 aspirants will emerge as the party’s candidate or flag bearer for the main election on September 21.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress has raked in N650million from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to 13 aspirants.

The PDP aspirants are the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing   Igbinedion, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.Other aspirants are  Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, Osaro Onaiwu, Arthur Esene and Omoregie Ihama.

Meanwhile, the APC has realised 650million naira from the sale of forms which closed on Monday. The APC Nomination Form was sold for N40million, while the Expression of Interest Form was N10milion. However, the party made the Expression of Interest Form free for female aspirants and those with disabilities.