The controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) primary election for governor of Edo State on Saturday intensified yesterday due to the emergence of a third contender, Anamero Dakeri.
Dennis Idahosa was proclaimed the victor of the primary election held in 192 wards of the state a few hours after the election by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the head of the seven-member election commission.
At the private house of a contender who had previously withdrawn from the contest, Stanley Ugboajah, the Returning Officer of the process, announced Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner. However, Anamero Dakeri was proclaimed the contest winner early yesterday by the local government returning officers.
Their spokesperson, Ojo Babatunde said Dakeri polled 25,384 votes, while Idahosa polled 14,127 votes.
With this development, three people, Idahosa (Edo South), Okpebholo (Edo Central) and Dakeri (EdoNorth) are claiming to be candidates of the APC for the September 21 governorship election.
Idahosa is said to enjoy the support of Senator Adams Oshiomhole and some APC leaders. Okpebholo has the backing of some APC top shots, who want power-shift to Edo- Central and Dakeri is favoured.
