The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has started that the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo state is a must-win for the party because of the strategic position of the state.

Oyegun stated this yesterday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, while inaugurating the Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led APC Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee.

“It is important. It is very necessary to emphasise the fact that for us, it (Edo State) is a critical state strategically. I hope I would not be misinterpreted if I say it is also a must-win state,” he said

The APC Chairman stressed that the “challenging assignment” given to the committee was to arrest “the unfortunately deteriorating situation in Edo State,” by restoring peace and coming out with suggestions that would make the party become a dependable political force, ready to win in a free and fair election.”

He tasked the committee to inform all the governorship aspirants of the party’s commitment to providing a level playing field and organising free and fair primary poll on June 18.

Oyegun expressed concerns over the internal wrangling within the party noted that the disputes are threatening development in the state which suffered neglect under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government.

 “We will not go back on the need for free and fair primaries, which mean that the party itself must be as neutral as possible.

“So, this is the message I want you to go with and to do everything that you can to arbitrate on matters   in the state,” the APC national chairman said.