EDO STATE SECRETARIAT, Monday – In a press conference held at the state secretariat, leader of the protesting group, Innocent Ogedengbe, voiced his grievances regarding the recently conducted rerun poll, stating that it deviated from the guidelines outlined in the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the APC.
Ogedengbe argued, “The primary elections on February 22, 2024, failed to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. Aspirants were not given equal opportunities to be voted for by party members at designated centers within the wards of Edo State. Additionally, the votes cast by party members were not recorded by any recognized office of the party’s National Secretariat.”
He further pointed out that the result sheets used appeared to have been completed at the party’s National Secretariat, rather than reflecting the actual situation on the ground in Edo State.
“The primaries held on February 17 and 22, 2024, were not conducted through an open secret ballot system, as required by the relevant provisions of the APC constitution. The declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner is not only unlawful but also a clear violation of the APC constitution,” Ogedengbe emphasized.
The protesters called for a fair resolution to the issue, urging the party to invalidate the actions of the Governor Otu committee and declare Hon. Dennis Idahosa as the rightful winner based on the available documentary evidence.
“We fervently pray that the party rectifies the injustice committed and upholds justice by declaring Hon. Dennis Idahosa as the legitimate winner,” Ogedengbe concluded.
The concerns raised by the protesters highlight growing tensions within the party, as members demand transparency and adherence to democratic principles in the electoral process. The APC leadership has yet to respond to the allegations made by the protesters.