Why Uzodinma was replaced with Bassey Otu as chair of Edo guber primary -APC

However, Ojo Babatunde, spokesperson of the returning
officers, said Sunday Dekeri, a lawmaker representing Etsako federal constituency
in the house of representatives, polled 25,384 votes to defeat Idahosa.

In another twist of events, Monday Okpebholo, senator
representing Edo central and a governorship aspirant, claimed that he won the
election with over 6,000 votes.

In a statement by Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, the party
said Uzodinma was neither sacked nor dropped as the committee chair as
reported.

The party said Uzodinma was “unavoidably unavailable” to
lead the completion of the primary election.

“We wish to clarify that Governor Uzodinma was neither
“sacked” nor “dropped”, as has been erroneously reported, but was unavoidably
unavailable to lead the completion of the Party’s Edo State Gubernatorial
Primary Election Process due to his prior scheduled attendance of, and
presentation of a report, to the National Economic Council meeting today
February 22, 2024,” the party said.

“As a result, His Excellency Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross
Rivers State, who was the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, graciously accepted
to serve as Chairman, and to complete the Edo State Gubernatorial Primary
Election Process.”