In a dramatic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election witnessed confusion as two candidates emerged for the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, also the Chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, announced Dennis Idahosa as the winner with 40,453 votes, held at Protea Hotel.
Meanwhile, the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja, declared Monday Okpebholo the winner with 12,145 votes at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s residence.
During the announcement of results at Lushville, suspected political thugs disrupted the process, leaving four people injured. Journalists were not spared as they scrambled for safety, with equipment damaged during the chaos.
Despite the presence of the state Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adeboye, the violence escalated, with three more people injured as thugs attacked indiscriminately.
Uzodimma later clarified that there was confusion regarding the venue, stating that Protea Hotel was the authentic secretariat for collating and announcing results.
However, Ugboaja insisted on his authority to declare the results, proclaiming Okpebholo as the rightful winner.
The announcement by Uzodimma was denounced as illegal by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae, who urged APC members to disregard it.
Meanwhile, Col. David Imuse (retd.), extended his congratulations to Dennis Idahosa for emerging as the party’s flag bearer, expressing optimism for the party’s future in Edo State.
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