The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State faces internal turmoil as a Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a case brought by Dennis Idahosa, claiming to be the APC governorship candidate. Idahosa is seeking to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any other candidate except him.
The court action follows a deadlock over plans to incorporate Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a governorship aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo in the APC.
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho has scheduled a hearing for March 14, 2024, in response to Idahosa’s application. Idahosa’s counsel, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, seeks to serve Senator Okpebholo with the court documents through the National Assembly clerk or an official at the Senate chambers and the 2nd defendant’s office in Abuja.
Idahosa argues that he should be declared the APC candidate for the Edo governorship election, citing discrepancies in the primary election process where he purportedly scored 40,453 votes compared to Okpebholo’s 100 votes.
Efforts to integrate Ogbeide-Ihama as Okpebholo’s running mate faced resistance from Idahosa’s supporters during a meeting in Abuja. The move, endorsed by some APC and PDP leaders from the South-South region, encountered opposition from those backing Idahosa’s candidacy.
Despite attempts to resolve the impasse, uncertainties persist within the party. Some Edo South APC leaders, who initially supported Okpebholo, threaten to withdraw from party activities if Idahosa is named the candidate.