Three governorship aspirants were declared winners of the
primary election by three different umpires.
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the primary
election committee, declared Dennis Idahosa, a member of the house of
representatives, as the winner of the election.
However, Ojo Babatunde, spokesperson of the returning
officers, declared Sunday Dekeri, a lawmaker representing Etsako federal
constituency in the house of representatives, as the winner of the primary.
In another twist of events, Monday Okpebholo, the senator
representing Edo central, claimed that he won the election with over 6,000
votes.
Before the election, no less than three aspirants announced
their withdrawal from the race, including Osagie Ize-lyamu, APC candidate in
the 2020 governorship election.
On Tuesday, the national leadership of the APC declared that
the primary election was inconclusive.
The party fixed Thursday, February 22, 2024, as the new date
for the completion of the primary election process.
The party appointed Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River
state, as the chairman of the primary election committee.
On Wednesday, Oshiomhole paid President Bola Tinubu a visit
at the presidential villa over the Edo primary election.
The senator said the president expressed his commitment to a
free and fair primary and that he is not in support of zoning the party’s ticket.
FAYEMI’S CRITICISM
In a statement by Ahmad Sajoh, his media aide, Fayemi, on
Thursday, said Oshiomhole ousted Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, from the
party during the buildup to the 2020 gubernatorial poll in the state.
The former Ekiti governor said Oshiomhole should have
ensured a level playing field for all aspirants in 2024 instead of trying to
impose a candidate.
“Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some
aspirants from contesting the primaries but failed. This is reminiscent of his
high-handedness as national chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor
Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate
loss of Edo state by the APC,” Fayemi said.
“It would appear the ground was being prepared by
Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo state
because of his unconscionable behaviour.
“However, the party has demonstrated independence and
impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries.
“We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an
atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party.
“Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants
if he chooses not to be neutral but the process must be open, free, and
transparent, following the laid down rules.
“My interest is the APC and the party must put its best
foot forward in the forthcoming elections.”
Fayemi commended the national leadership of the APC for
rescheduling the primary election.
