Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Taiwo Amodu
Published on 2024-02-24 17:38:11
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, recently presented the Certificate of Return to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party’s standard-bearer for the upcoming Edo state governorship election scheduled for September. Senator Okpebholo emerged victorious in the primary election, defeating his main rival, Honourable Dennis Idahosa. The report of the primary election was submitted by Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, who chaired the seven-man election committee.
Ganduje justified the decision to conduct a fresh process, explaining that the previous election was declared inconclusive by the National Working Committee (NWC). He elaborated on the circumstances that led to this decision, including the unavailability of the chairman of the committee, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinnma, to preside over the final process. Despite the challenges, direct primaries were successfully held in 192 wards, leading to Senator Okpebholo receiving the highest number of votes and being declared the winner.
The APC National Chairman expressed the party’s determination to win the Edo state election and praised Senator Okpebholo as a sellable and refined candidate. Senator Okpebholo, after receiving the Certificate of Return, commended the APC NWC for conducting a transparent process and pledged to initiate a reconciliation process with the aggrieved aspirants to garner their support.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Okpebholo thanked the party leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole, for their support. He emphasized the need for unity within the party and called for a collective effort to bring development to Edo state. He assured his co-contestants that he would work towards building a better future for the state, transcending tribal and religious divides.
Despite the overall positive reception of Senator Okpebholo’s victory, there was a mild drama as one of the aspirants, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, submitted a petition to the Appeal panel at the party national secretariat. Idahosa, who contested in the process declared inconclusive by the NWC, expressed his intention to seek legal redress if Senator Okpebholo’s name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without due process.
Idahosa called for justice and transparency within the party, urging the NWC to adhere to proper procedures. He raised concerns about the integrity of the previous election process and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values. Despite the tensions, Senator Okpebholo remained focused on his goals of unifying the party and working towards a successful electoral campaign in Edo state.
Overall, the APC’s journey towards the Edo state election has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the complexities of political processes in Nigeria. The party’s ability to navigate these obstacles and remain united will be crucial in securing victory in the upcoming election.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
