ACSF Calls for Uzodinma to Step Aside following Edo APC Primary

The African Civil Society Forum has demanded that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma step aside as Chairman of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee.

The group criticized Uzodinma for overseeing what they termed a “shabby primary” in Edo State.

The primary election, which saw 10 aspirants vying for the APC ticket, has been marred by controversy.

Three aspirants have laid claim to victory, while two withdrew from the race shortly before the election began.

Despite these issues, Hon. Dennis Idahosa was declared the winner by Uzodinma’s committee. However, Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Stanley Ugboaja, and Hon.

Anamero Sunday Dekeri was announced as the winner by the spokesman of local government returning officers, Mr. Ojo Babatunde.

In a press conference held in Abuja, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, Chairman of the Governing Board of the African Civil Society Forum, commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis that followed the primaries.

Asaolu praised the President’s intervention, which led to the cancellation of the entire exercise, as a demonstration of his commitment to democratic values.

Asaolu urged all stakeholders involved in the APC primary election in Edo State to adhere to the rule of law, fairness, and transparency.

He emphasized the importance of conducting the rescheduled process with integrity and in accordance with democratic principles to ensure that the will of the people is respected.

The African Civil Society Forum called on Sen. Hope Uzodinma to step aside, describing the primary as a “quagmire” that undermines trust in the process.

They emphasized the need for Nigerians, especially APC members, to have trust and confidence in the election committee.