Edo Guber Primary: Fresh Crisis Erupts As APC Sacks Uzodinma, Appoints Governor Otu Election Committee Chairman

The crisis that trailed the guber primary conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has refused to go away as the party has appointed Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, as the chairman of its governorship primary election committee.

This development became necessary following a series of petitions for the removal of the chairman of the election committee, Hope Uzodinma, from various quarters.

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the panel, had chaired the committee, which triggered controversy after producing three different candidates – Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Anamero Sunday Dekeri – and declared Dennis Idahosa the winner of the exercise.

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Following the controversy, the National Working Committee of the ruling party declared the initial primary election inconclusive and held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja, where it was resolved that a fresh primary would be conducted on Thursday.

In a list released on the eve of the new primary, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River was listed as the chairman of the new committee that will oversee the election.

Before the announcement, there was outrage from various quarters demanding the removal of Uzodinma as chairman of the panel.

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In a statement jointly signed by Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere, rtd, the aspirants said Uzodinma did not observe the minimum requirements for compliance with the relevant provisions of the laws and regulations guiding the election as provided in both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution.