APC Governorship Primaries in Edo State Stir Controversy: Three Candidates Emerge Amid Legal Threats

The aftermath of Saturday’s Edo State governorship primary election for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked controversy, with three candidates now claiming victory. Despite Governor Hope Uzodimma declaring Dennis Idahosa as the winner, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Anamero Dakeri have also asserted their claims, leading to a complex situation within the party.

According to the Returning Officer, Dr Stanley Ugboajah, Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner at the private residence of an aspirant who withdrew from the race. However, local government returning officers later announced Anamero Dakeri as the winner, creating a three-way dispute for the APC candidacy in the upcoming September 21 governorship election.

Dakeri emerged with 25,384 votes, while Idahosa received 14,127 votes. Idahosa, enjoying support from Senator Adams Oshiomhole and some APC leaders, declared the party as truly progressive. Meanwhile, Okpebholo, backed by some APC top shots advocating for power-shift to Edo-Central, and Dakeri, expressed their readiness for the election.

In his acceptance speech, Idahosa praised the APC’s national leadership and called for collaboration, emphasizing the party’s commitment to democratic values. Dakeri extended a hand of fellowship to fellow aspirants, emphasizing unity to secure victory in the upcoming election.

However, Senator Okpebholo criticized Governor Ganduje’s congratulatory message to Idahosa, citing controversies in the result announcement. Okpebholo expressed confidence in the party’s leadership to uphold his victory despite the ongoing disputes.

Former Minister Clem Agba, another aspirant, condemned the primaries, claiming disenfranchisement and asserting his victory. Agba vowed to explore all available means to seek redress while remaining a loyal APC member.

Furthermore, the APC Stakeholders Forum disowned Uzodimma’s result, accusing the committee of usurping local government returning officers’ responsibilities. They called on national leaders, including Ganduje and President Bola Tinubu, to discard Uzodimma’s declaration and uphold the results announced by local government returning officers.