Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, operating under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders, have raised an alarm over the potential loss of the forthcoming September 21 governorship election. The group expressed concerns that if Senator Monday Okpebholo, the duly elected winner of the last Saturday’s governorship primary election, is denied his victory, the party may suffer in the election.
The group criticized the manner in which Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, contrary to established guidelines, declared Hon. Dennis Idahosa as the winner after Senator Okpebholo’s declaration as the winner of the primaries. They described this as “total brigandage” and called on President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to intervene promptly to ensure justice is served and prevent potential losses in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa (Esq.), Counsel to the Concerned APC Stakeholders, condemned the violent mistreatment of Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ) members at the primary election venue while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
The group emphasized that Stanley Uzomaka Ugboaja was the only recognized Chief Returning Officer for the Edo 2024 Governorship Primaries appointed by the APC National Working Committee. They asserted that if any candidate not declared by Dr. Ugboaja is presented to INEC, the APC might not have a candidate for the Edo 2024 Governorship Election, cautioning against political expediency that could cost the party dearly. The group called for the endorsement of the legally returned candidate, Senator Monday Okpeholo, as provided by the APC Constitution, to avoid a scenario similar to past electoral challenges in Rivers State and Zamfara States.
