“APC Faces Anxiety as Court Convenes on Edo Governorship Candidacy”
APC Crisis in Edo State: Court to Decide on Governorship Candidate
Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State as a Federal High Court in Abuja is set to begin hearing a suit filed by Dennis Idahosa. Idahosa claims to be the rightful Edo governorship candidate for the APC and is seeking to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any other candidate.
The controversy deepens with the involvement of Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, who is reportedly being considered as a running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo in the APC.
Last week, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled March 14, 2024, for the hearing of Idahosa’s case. The court granted Idahosa’s request, made through his counsel Bode Olanipekun, SAN of Wole Olanipekun & Co., to serve the originating processes to Senator Okpebholo. These processes were to be delivered to the clerk of the National Assembly or an adult person at the Senate chambers, as well as to an adult person at Okpebholo’s office in Abuja.
Idahosa’s argument is centered on the primary election results. He claims to have garnered 40,453 votes, while Senator Okpebholo, declared the winner with 100 votes, is seen as an infringement of the Electoral Act, APC’s constitution, and primary election guidelines.
Amidst this legal battle, plans were underway to appoint Ogbeide-Ihama as the running mate to Okpebholo. However, this move, reportedly supported by leaders from both the APC and PDP in the South-South, faced opposition from Idahosa’s supporters. A meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday highlighted the division, with Idahosa’s camp insisting he is the rightful candidate.
Following these developments, it was reported that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent APC leader, left the meeting for the Presidential villa, leaving the situation unresolved. As of now, the status quo remains, with no further updates after Tuesday’s meeting.
Additionally, leaders of the APC from Edo South, who initially stepped down as aspirants to support Okpebholo, have threatened to withdraw from the party’s activities if Idahosa is declared the candidate.
The uncertainty surrounding the APC’s governorship candidate in Edo State has brought the party into a state of disarray, with factions vying for control and conflicting interests at play. The upcoming court hearing will be crucial in determining the course of the party’s future in the state.
