The All Progressives Congress Renewed Hope Coalition in Edo State has hailed the emergence of Dennis Idahosa as the winner of the keenly contested primary of the party ahead of the September 2024 governorship poll in the state.
The Coalition Chairman, Stevens Jim, in a press statement, described Idahosa as the lawful winner of the primary on Saturday.
Drama had trailed the APC governorship primary in Edo last Saturday as two other candidates laid claim to the ticket of the party after Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the primary election committee declared Idahosa winner of the primary.
The returning officer for the primary, Stanley Ugboaja, later declared Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected candidate, even as Anamero Dekeri laid claim to the ticket.
Three of the 12 aspirants cleared for the primary had pulled out before the exercise.
They are Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen and Ernest Umakhihe.
The APC national leadership later said the only recognised candidate was Idahosa who was declared by the Uzodimma committee.
In its statement, the Coalition commended Uzodimma for “transparency, fairness and accountability” during the exercise.
“In a time where the credibility of electoral processes is often called into question, the electoral committee headed by Governor Hope Uzodimma has set a new standard for conducting primaries. By prioritizing transparency and inclusivity.
“The emergence of House of Representatives member Dennis Idahosa as the winner of the APC primaries in Edo state is a testament to APC’s commitment to promoting excellence and competence in governance.
“It is worthy to note that APC is one in Edo state and there’s no division, now that a candidate has emerged, it is important for us all to rally round the winner and ensure the victory of APC in the September 21 Governorship election in Edo State,” the statement read.
