A group under the auspices of African Civil Society Forum has called on the Chairman of Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, Sen. Hope Uzodinma to step aside, having conducted a shabby primary which is described by Nigerians as a quagmire to build trust on the process.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Chair of Governing Board of the group, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, commended President Bola for his timely intervention on the Edo APC Governorship primary election that produced three candidates.
He said the President’s intervention which led to the cancellation of the entire exercise has justified his position as a true democrat with fatherly love for all Nigerians.
Asaolu urged all stakeholders involved in the APC primary election in Edo State to play their roles according to the rule of law, fairness, and transparency.
He added that it was essential that the rescheduled process is conducted with integrity and in accordance with democratic principles to ensure that the will of the people is respected and upheld.
Asaolu stated: “On behalf of the African Civil Society Forum and under the auspices of the Directorate of Political Affairs and Governance, I wish to commend Mr. President for his decisive intervention in this matter. His fatherly role in seeking a resolution to the contentious primary election impasse is commendable and reflects his commitment to upholding democratic values and principles. Call for Adherence to Democratic Principles:
“We hereby call on Sen. Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of Edo APC governorship primary election to step aside, having conducted a shabby primary which is described by Nigerians as a quagmire to build trust on the process.”
TheHintsNews reports that three of the 10 aspirants who contested the election are laying claim to victory, while two aspirants withdrew from the election a few hours before commencement.
Uzodinma’s Primary Election Committee on Saturday declared Hon. Dennis Idahosa winner having polled 40,453 votes, while Senator Okpebholo was returned winner by the Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Stanley Ugboaja and Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri was declared victorious by the spokesman of local government returning officers, Mr. Ojo Babatunde.
Subsequently, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the part declared the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election inconclusive following crisis that rocked last Saturday’s election.
The party has therefore fixed Thursday for the completion of the primary election.