Idahosa: Legal Threat Triggers Protest at APC Secretariat

Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial primary in Edo State stirred immediate controversy. Just 24 hours after his declaration as the winner, Dennis Idahosa, one of the 11 unsuccessful aspirants, made a bold move. Accompanied by a crowd of supporters, Idahosa arrived at the party’s national headquarters, demanding justice. He vehemently criticized the re-run election held on Thursday, dismissing it as a mere “selection” rather than a genuine “electoral” process, contrary to the party’s claims.

The atmosphere at the party secretariat was charged as Idahosa voiced his grievances. He was not new to the scene, having been initially declared a winner in the contentious first primary on February 17, which was later deemed inconclusive. Governor Hope Uzodimma, then serving as the chairman of the primary election committee, had announced Idahosa’s victory. However, the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja, declared Okpebholo as the rightful winner, sparking confusion and discontent among the aspirants and their supporters.

Idahosa’s stance resonated with many who questioned the integrity of the primary process. His bold assertion of the election being a “selection” rather than a fair “electoral” process shed light on the complexities within the ruling party. As tensions simmered and voices grew louder, the demand for transparency and justice echoed not only within the APC but also across Edo State’s political landscape, setting the stage for potential legal and political battles ahead.