INEC Clarifies Stand on Edo APC Primary as Protesters Demand Chairman’s Removal

In the aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, emphasized on Monday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would only recognize the exercise conducted at the venue communicated by the national party leadership.

According to Onuoha, the Supreme Court’s decision dictates that only the national party leadership, not the state chapter, can determine the venue for a primary election. In the case of Edo State, the venue communicated to INEC by the APC national leadership was Lushville Hotel and Suites.

The primary, marred by conflicting declarations, saw three individuals—Dennis Idahosa, Monday Okpebholo, and Anamero Dekeri—claiming victory. The national party leadership, led by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, congratulated Idahosa, declared the winner by the Edo State Primary Election Committee chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

However, the Edo State party leadership rejected Uzodinma’s declaration, insisting that only the state Returning Officer could announce the winner. Anamero Dekeri, the third claimant to victory, visited the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, demanding a Certificate of Return.

Meanwhile, angry youths and women took over the APC party secretariat in Benin, demanding the removal of the State Working Committee led by acting Chairman Jarret Tenebe. They accused the committee of mishandling the primary and expressed support for Dennis Idahosa’s candidacy.

INEC’s Onuoha warned aspirants and parties to cease campaigning immediately, as the commission had not lifted the suspension on campaign activities, stating that campaigning is expected to commence on April 24.