Tension Grips Edo As Court Decides On Winner Of APC Guber Primary

Anxiety grips the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a Federal High Court in Abuja is set to begin proceedings today on a suit filed by Dennis Idahosa, who claims to be the APC’s governorship candidate.

Idahosa is challenging any other candidate except himself to be accepted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tension arises amid a deadlock over plans to include a governorship aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, as the running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo within the APC.

Last week, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled March 14, 2024, for the hearing of Idahosa’s suit. Idahosa’s application was granted, and the court directed the service of the originating processes on Senator Okpebholo.

Idahosa contends that he should be declared the APC candidate for the Edo governorship election, citing his vote count of 40,453 during the primaries. He argues that Okpebholo’s declaration, who scored only 100 votes, violates the Electoral Act, APC’s constitution, and the guidelines for primary elections.

The proposed move to appoint Ogbeide-Ihama as Okpebholo’s running mate faces resistance from supporters of Idahosa, who insist that Idahosa is the party’s rightful candidate. Additionally, some leaders from Edo South, who initially supported Okpebholo, have threatened to withdraw from party activities if Idahosa is made the candidate.