The turmoil within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State following the governorship primary in February continues to escalate, with Hon Dennis Idahosa, an aspirant, taking a bold step by petitioning the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Yakubu. In his petition dated March 4, 2024, Idahosa, who represents Ovia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, urged INEC not to recognize any candidate other than himself.
The petition, drafted by Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and marked WOC/ABJ/VOL.01/074/2024, highlights a legal battle between Idahosa and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC, and INEC. Idahosa asserts that he emerged victorious in the February 17, 2024, governorship primary, which was overseen by INEC. He questions the legitimacy of the supplementary election ordered by the party leadership, emphasizing that the results of the initial primary should stand.
Idahosa presents compelling evidence, including certified result sheets and reports, to support his claim as the rightful APC candidate for the Edo State governorship election. He challenges the notion that the February 22 rerun primary was a standalone event, arguing that it was a continuation of the February 17 exercise. With pending legal actions in place, Idahosa urges INEC to refrain from making any decisions that could interfere with the judicial process.
The crux of the matter lies in the conflicting results from the two primary dates, February 17 and February 23, 2024. Idahosa maintains that even when considering only the votes from the initial primary, he emerges as the clear winner. He calls attention to the acknowledgment by the APC that the February 22 process was a completion of the earlier election, further solidifying his position.
As the dispute unfolds, Idahosa’s petition underscores the importance of upholding democratic processes and respecting the rule of law. With the legal battle ongoing, the future of the APC candidate for the Edo State governorship remains uncertain. INEC faces a crucial decision in navigating this complex situation while ensuring fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
