…LGA returning officers’ announcement of Dekeri APC candidate leads to heated controversy

…Hoodlums attack NewsDirect correspondent, steal phone, equipment

…I have emerged victorious in this election — Idahosa claims

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidates in Edo State ended on a drastic note as the process has allegedly produced three gubernatorial candidates.

The primary election, which took place on Saturday, was marred by clashes that resulted in severe injuries and widespread disruption.

The primary saw 12 aspirants initially cleared for participation by the party’s national leadership.

However, three candidates — Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, and Ernest Umakhihe — opted out before the polls opened. At the conclusion of the voting process, three individuals emerged as front-runners: Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Dennis Idahosa of Ovia Federal Constituency, and Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri of Eksakor Federal Constituency.

In a late-night announcement, Mr. Ojo Babatunde, speaking on behalf of the local government returning officers, declared Anamero Sunday Dekeri the victor with a total of 25,384 votes, surpassing his nearest competitor, Dennis Idahosa, who garnered 14,127 votes.

Hoodlums attack NewsDirect correspondent, steal phone, equipment

The declaration was swiftly followed by chaos as groups of violent individuals, described as street urchins and thugs, descended upon the venue.

They attacked attendees indiscriminately, including a Nigerian NewsDirect correspondent and other journalists from various media outlets who were present to report on the event.The aftermath of the violence saw significant injuries and substantial damage, with many sustaining life-threatening wounds.

Amidst the chaos and mayhem, the unfortunate victims of this violent spectacle were the dedicated cameramen from various media outlets, whose precious equipment was ruthlessly destroyed, and the party officials who suffered from the brutal attacks.

These thugs, devoid of any sense of decency, not only snatched away valuable possessions like gum and phones, but also mercilessly beat their victims into a state of unconsciousness.

In the midst of this pandemonium, the reporters were instructed to relocate to the Protea Hotel, situated near the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command, where the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee held its authoritative sway.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, hailing from Imo State and serving as the Chairman of the primary election committee, took the stage to announce the outcome of the primary exercise. With great authority, he declared that out of the staggering 42,000 votes cast, Idahosa emerged as the clear victor, securing over 40,000 votes.

I have emerged victorious in this election — Idahosa claims

However, it was the returning officer for the primary, Stanley Ugboaja, who officially declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC candidate.Despite the official declaration, Mr. Idahosa adamantly insisted that he was the rightful winner of the APC governorship primary election in Edo.

With unwavering confidence, he boldly proclaimed, “The people of Edo, united under the APC banner, have spoken loud and clear. I have emerged victorious in this election.” These words were uttered shortly after Governor Uzodinma declared him as the winner.

With a determined spirit, Mr. Idahosa vowed to swiftly initiate a process of reconciliation among the APC members in the state, as they prepare for the upcoming general election on the 21st of September.

“The era of struggle has come to an end; now is the time for reconciliation,” he declared, his voice filled with conviction and hope.

“For those that I contested with, we are brothers, we are one family. I am going to start (the) reconciliation process immediately because I need all of them (in order) to win the general election.”

However, thugs had earlier attacked the Lushville Hotel in Benin City where the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja was announcing the results on Saturday afternoon which left many scampering for safety.

Meanwhile, at the Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu residence, where the Lushville Hotel ensemble later relocated to, Senator Okpebholo was declared winner having scored 12,145 votes in comparison to the 5,536 votes obtained by Idahosa.

According to Stanley Ugboaja, the Returning Officer for the election, out of the 42,000 delegates who met the APC’s criteria to partake in the primaries only 29,000 participated.

Immediately thereafter, the local government returning officers for the 2024 Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries election later declared Anamero Sunday Dekeri, winner of the contest.

Spokesman of the local government returning officers, Mr Ojo Babatunde who announced the result on Saturday night said Dekeri polled a total number of 25,384 to defeat his closest rival Dennis Idahosa who scored 14,127 votes.

Flanked by some returning officers, Babatunde said Dekeri polled a total number of 25, 384 to defeat his closest rival Dennis Idahosa who scored 14,127 votes.