Edo Primaries Fallout: Protest Erupts as Okpebholo Receives Certificate of Return

In the wake of the primary elections in Edo State, tension rises as APC aspirant, Mr Dennis Idahosa, leads a protest to the National Secretariat, demanding the cancellation of the primaries. The protest follows the presentation of the certificate of return to Senator Monday Okpebholo, declared the winner by APC’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

Deputy governor Philip Shaibu asserts his significance, claiming that the PDP cannot secure victory without his support. He dismisses the PDP’s primary outcome as laughable and refers to the party as an “owambe” party. Shaibu labels the purported impeachment plot against him as a “joke carried too far.”

Shaibu appeals to the PDP National Working Committee to support his candidacy, emphasizing the importance of unity for the party’s success in the upcoming election. He highlights the lack of agreement on zoning, advocating for a convention to establish a clear formula.

Okpebholo, upon receiving his certificate, acknowledges the victories and losses in the primaries. He expresses gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s role in ensuring a level playing field and appreciates the APC National Chairman and NWC for standing with the people of Edo State. Okpebholo promises to share plans to rescue Edo State in the coming days.

Idahosa vehemently opposes the primaries’ outcome, urging the APC to restore his mandate and threatening legal action if his demands are ignored. He calls on Tinubu to intervene and rein in the National Working Committee.