Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-22 02:40:58
The All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the Edo primary inconclusive on Tuesday and ordered that the exercise will be completed the following day. The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC) held at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja. This decision came after three of the 10 aspirants claimed victory at the end of the primary election last Saturday.
However, ahead of the ordered rerun of the APC primary, four leading aspirants of the party demanded the resignation of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as Chairman of the Primary Election Committee. The aspirants, consisting of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Monday Okpebholo, and Charles Airhiavbere, cited the inability of Uzodimma to conduct a hitch-free primary last Saturday as the basis of their position. They alleged that the governor failed to observe the minimum requirements for compliance with the relevant provisions of the laws and regulations guiding the election as provided for both in the Electoral Act and in the APC Constitution.
In addition, the Directorate of Political Affairs and Governance of the African Civil Society Forum also asked Uzodimma to step down as the head of the primary election committee. Led by Dr. Tunji John Asaolu, the forum argued that the absence of Uzodimma would build trust and confidence among aspirants vying for the ticket of the party.
The Edo APC Elders Stakeholders Forum advised the party to replace Uzodimma as Chairman of the Primaries Election Committee if the APC is desirous to win the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State. They decried last weekend’s primary, which ended in a fiasco.
The issue of Uzodimma’s resignation has created controversy within the APC and has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the primary election process. It is clear that there are deep divisions within the party, and the ongoing leadership crisis could negatively impact the party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Moving forward, it is essential for the APC to address these concerns and ensure that the primary election process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The party must also work to address the internal divisions and ensure that all aspirants are given an equal opportunity to compete for the party’s ticket.
Ultimately, the key to the APC’s success in the Edo governorship election will depend on its ability to maintain unity within the party and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in its primary election process. Failure to do so could have detrimental effects on the party’s electoral prospects and further deepen the existing internal divisions.
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