EDO GUBER: APC Crisis Worsens As 4 Top Contenders Move Against Uzodinma

Four prominent Edo All Progressives Congress governorship contenders have expressed their disapproval of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the Elections Committee.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere (retd.) voiced their lack of confidence in his ability to oversee a fair and transparent election, citing concerns stemming from the controversy surrounding the previous poll.

Their stance emerged just 24 hours ahead of the scheduled rerun of the governorship primary in the state, following the inconclusive nature of the initial election announced by the APC after an emergency meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The first poll, held on February 17, saw conflicting declarations of winners, with Uzodimma announcing Dennis Idahosa as the winner, while Stanley Ugboaja, the returning officer, declared Monday Okpebholo as the winner. Another declaration by Ojo Babatunde named Anamero Dekeri as the winner, claiming to represent the returning officers from all local governments.

In a joint statement reacting to the rerun, the four aspirants emphasized their loss of faith in Uzodimma’s committee to conduct a credible election. They argued that his actions did not align with the electoral laws and the APC Constitution’s provisions, calling for his replacement by a more respected party member.

Their statement conveyed their plea to the President, Bola Tinubu, to intervene, urging him to appoint a chairman who would uphold the law, preserve internal democracy, and safeguard the party’s integrity and reputation.

They concluded by expressing confidence in the President’s commitment to justice and fairness, trusting that he would ensure a transparent process in selecting the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Edo State and securing victory in the forthcoming September 2024 governorship election.