Anxiety in APC as Court Sits Over Edo Governorship Candidacy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal turmoil as a Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to commence hearings today over a suit filed by Dennis Idahosa, who claims to be the rightful Edo governorship candidate for the party.

The case comes on the heels of a deadlock within the APC regarding the potential nomination of Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former governorship aspirant from the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court has set March 14, 2024, as the date for the hearing of the action brought by Idahosa, who is represented by Bode Olanipekun, SAN of Wole Olanipekun & Co.

The court has directed service of the originating processes on Senator Okpebholo, by delivering the documents to the clerk of the National Assembly and/or to an adult person or official at the Senate chambers in the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Idahosa argues that he should be declared the APC candidate for the Edo governorship election, having scored 40,453 votes during the primaries held on February 17, 2024.

He contends that the declaration of Senator Okpebholo, who garnered only 100 votes, is a violation of the Electoral Act, the APC’s constitution, and the guidelines for primary elections.

As the legal battle ensues, there have been discussions about the possibility of Ogbeide-Ihama joining the APC as a running mate to Okpebholo.

However, these plans have reportedly hit a roadblock, as supporters of Idahosa at a recent meeting in Abuja insisted that their candidate is the legitimate choice for the party.

Some leaders of the APC from Edo South, who were also aspirants before the primary but later stepped down and supported Okpebholo, have threatened to withdraw from the party’s activities if Idahosa is not recognized as the candidate.

The situation remains uncertain as the court prepares to hear the case and the APC struggles to find a resolution to the internal conflict.

The outcome of this legal battle may have significant implications for the future of the party and the upcoming Edo governorship election.