APC Appoints Bassey Otu as Chairman of Edo State Governorship Primary Election Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, as the chairman of its governorship primary election committee in Edo State.

This decision came after a series of petitions calling for the removal of Hope Uzodinma, the chairman of the election committee, from various quarters.

Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State and the chairman of the panel, had overseen the committee, which became controversial after it produced three different candidates – Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Anamero Sunday Dekeri – and declared Dennis Idahosa as the winner of the exercise.

In response to the controversy, the National Working Committee of the APC declared the initial primary election inconclusive and held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja.

During the meeting, it was resolved that a fresh primary would be conducted on Thursday.

Ahead of the new primary, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State was listed as the chairman of the new committee that will oversee the election.

Before the announcement of Governor Otu’s appointment, there had been outrage from various quarters demanding the removal of Uzodinma as the chairman of the panel.

In a statement jointly signed by Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), the aspirants stated that Uzodinma did not observe the minimum requirements for compliance with the relevant provisions of the laws and regulations guiding the election, as provided in both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution.