Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-23 13:42:48
Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central at the National Assembly, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming governorship election in Edo state. The Chairman of the APC supplementary primary election, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, declared Okpebholo as the winner of the election in Benin on Friday. Okpebholo received 12,433 votes, defeating 11 other aspirants in the contest.
On a different note, Governor Hope Uzodinma had initially declared Representative Dennis Idahosa, a member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, as the winner of the primaries on February 17th. However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC overturned this decision and declared the election inconclusive. As a result, a supplementary primary was scheduled to take place on Thursday, with Governor Otu replacing Uzodinma as the chairman of the election committee.
In the subsequent re-run, Idahosa, who had initially led in the first ballot with 4,483 votes, secured 6,541 votes. This turn of events showcases the dynamic nature of politics and the competitive spirit within the APC as candidates strive to secure the party’s ticket for the governorship election.
The primary elections within political parties are crucial in determining the flag bearers for various positions, especially in gubernatorial elections where candidates compete to represent their party in the race for governorship. These internal party elections are typically competitive and attract significant attention from party members and political observers. The outcome of these primaries can have a significant impact on the overall electoral process and the eventual success of the party in the general election.
The decision by the NWC to declare the initial election results inconclusive and order a supplementary primary highlights the commitment of the APC to conducting free, fair, and transparent internal party elections. By ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a democratic and inclusive manner, the party upholds the principles of democracy and promotes internal party cohesion.
As the political landscape in Edo state continues to evolve and candidates jostle for positions ahead of the governorship election, it is essential for the APC to maintain unity and focus on the larger goal of securing victory in the upcoming election. The successful candidate will not only represent the party but will also embody the aspirations and hopes of the people of Edo state who are looking for effective and accountable leadership.
In conclusion, the outcome of the APC primary election in Edo state underscores the competitive nature of politics and the importance of internal party processes in shaping the political landscape. As Senator Monday Okpebholo emerges as the party’s candidate for the governorship election, the focus shifts to the broader electoral campaign and the strategies that will be employed to secure victory in the upcoming election.
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