APC Governorship Candidate Dispute Sparks Tension in Edo State

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing heightened anxiety as the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to commence sitting on a suit brought before it by Dennis Idahosa, the self-proclaimed governorship candidate of the party.

Idahosa is seeking to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any other candidate besides himself.

The situation is further complicated by a deadlock over plans to include a governorship aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, as the running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo within the APC.

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the hearing for March 14, 2024, in response to Idahosa’s application, which was filed through his counsel, Bode Olanipekun of Wole Olanipekun & Co.

The court directed the service of the originating processes on Senator Okpebholo, with instructions to deliver them to various locations associated with the senator.

Idahosa is seeking a court declaration as the APC candidate for the Edo governorship election, citing his vote count of 40,453 compared to Okpebholo’s 100 votes in the primaries held on February 17, 2024.

The proposed inclusion of Ogbeide-Ihama as Okpebholo’s running mate, supported by leaders of both the APC and PDP from the South-South region, faces opposition from Idahosa’s supporters, who insist that Idahosa is the rightful candidate.

In response, some APC leaders from Edo South, who were also aspirants but later backed Okpebholo, have threatened to withdraw from the party’s activities and address a press conference if Idahosa is confirmed as the candidate.

The situation remains tense as the legal and political battles unfold, reflecting the complex dynamics within the Edo State political landscape.