The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken decisive action in response to the controversy surrounding the governorship primary in Edo State.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chaired the Elections Committee, has been removed from his position, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has been appointed as his successor.
In a statement released by APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu, it was revealed that Governor Otu will now oversee the re-run poll scheduled for Thursday, February 22.
The Primary Election Committee has been reconstituted with members including former Osun State deputy governor Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Plateau State’s 2023 governorship flagbearer Nentanwe Goshwe, Umar Musa, Lawan Garba, and Rabiu Suleiman serving as the Secretary.
This decision came shortly after four prominent aspirants, namely Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere (retd.), expressed a lack of confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s ability to conduct a fair election.
They called for his replacement, prompting the party to make the change.
Governor Uzodimma, who initially declared Dennis Idahosa as the winner of the contest, faced challenges as returning officers in various Local Government Areas (LGAs) announced Sunday Dekeri and Monday Okpebholo as victors, creating a contentious situation.
The reorganization of the Elections Committee aims to address concerns and ensure a transparent and credible process for the upcoming election.