The Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) is yet to set a date for the poll. But, aspirants on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have started consultation with the stakeholders, ahead of the poll. A source said the PDP may settle for a consensus candidate, if the aspirants agree to step down for one another. According to the source, “the PDP is still in pains over its loss in Edo governorship election. We are likely to put our house in order more than the APC, which is carried away by it doubtful victory at the last governorship election. We are dedicated to primary. But, if aspirants, about seven of them, can step down for themselves, there will be a consensus candidate.” The three local government areas that make up Estako Constiuency are Estako East, Estako West and Estako Central. Estako West has the highest population and voting strength. Ihe votes from Estako West gave the APC victory in last year’s election. Shaibu hails from Estako West. Senator Alimekhena hails from Estako East and it is expected that the House of Representatives member to replace Shaibu should be from Estako Central. APC aspirants include Blessing Agbonmhere, John Akhigbe, Johnson Oghuma, Luqman Mohammend, Joseph Ugheoke, and Akhigbe Kelvin. Agbomhere contested at the APC governorship primary last year. He got five votes. He said. “Even the worst critics have agreed that my vibrancy, courage and commitment to Estako development has put me ahead of other contestants.” Akhigbe was a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oshiomhole on Protocol. His campaign posters are visible across the three local government areas. Oghuma is a former member of the House of Assembly. His bid for the House of Representatives in 2015 failed. Oghuma is perceived to be favoured to clinch the ticket, owing to the role he played when leadership crisis rocked the House of Assembly after a failed attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers to oust former Speaker Uyi Igbe. Mohammend is also a former member of the House of Assembly. He trailed Shuaib at the primary in 2015. Oiboh is a former Commissioner for Land and Survey. He left the APC to join the PDP after he lost the primary. Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril, is also said to be interested in the race. The chairman of the APC, Anselm Ojezua, said the party will field a good candidate. The Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, reiterated the party’s determination to conduct a credible primary.]]>