The confusion surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Edo State intensified on Sunday as Anamero Dekeri emerged as the third aspirant to assert victory.
Ojo Babatunde, representing all local government returning officers, announced that Dekeri secured 25,384 votes, surpassing Dennis Idahosa who garnered 14,127 votes to claim second place.
“Hon. Dekeri, having met the requirements of the law and received the highest valid votes cast, has been declared the winner of the election and returned elected,” stated Babatunde.
Dekeri, currently serving as the member representing Etsako Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, joins the fray of contenders in the tumultuous APC primary.
Initially, 12 aspirants were cleared for the direct primary by the National leadership of the party. However, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, and Ernest Umakhihe withdrew before the election.
Amidst the conflicting claims of victory, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, serving as Chairman of the primary election committee, declared Idahosa as the winner. Simultaneously, the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC candidate.
The chaotic atmosphere of the primary was underscored by an earlier attack on the Lushville Hotel in Benin City, where Stanley Ugboaja was announcing the results. The attack, carried out by unidentified thugs, resulted in injuries to four individuals and sent attendees scrambling for safety.
Journalists covering the event were not spared from the violence, with several, including an NTA cameraman and an FRCN reporter, being manhandled and their equipment damaged during the altercation.
