Edo 2024: Idahosa, Imuse, Umakhihe To Battle For APC Governorship Ticket

The race for the governorship ticket of Edo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is shaping up to be an intense contest as party heavyweights — Col. David Imuse (Rtd), Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe — joined the race recently.

Imuse, the outgoing APC chairman in Edo, resigned his position on January 15 to vie for the ticket. His deputy, Jarrett Tenebe, has taken over as acting chairman. Imuse’s resignation complies with APC rules barring party executives from contesting internal elections.

A retired military officer and dental surgeon, Imuse has led Edo APC since November 2019.

His tenure saw the party consolidate its federal legislative seats despite losing the 2020 governorship election. Known for his strong organizational skills, Imuse is positioning himself as a unifying figure who can rebuild Edo APC and reclaim the state government from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, Imuse faces stiff competition from Idahosa, the Chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services in the House of Representatives, where he represents Ovia South-west/North-east Federal Constituency of Edo State, and Umakhihe, a former federal permanent secretary known for his excellence in public service.

Idahosa, one of the youngest lawmakers in the House of Representatives, is a household name as far as Edo politics is concerned.

Umakhihe, on the other hand, has begun consulting party stakeholders about his gubernatorial ambition since retiring from public service in January.

His three-decade service in the public sector, philanthropic work and private sector experience make him an attractive candidate to deliver good governance.

Both Imuse, Idahosa and Umakhihe boast impressive profiles and stakeholders in the Edo APC consider them frontrunners for the ticket and expect a close race.

Meanwhile, Adams Oshiomole, a former governor and Senator representing Edo North, has reportedly assumed full control of the All Progressive Congress in the state despite internal rifts.

Following Imuse’s exit, Deputy Chairman Jarrett Tenebe Celestine (Emperor) has assumed the role of the state chairman, as stipulated by the APC constitution.

The coming primaries will demonstrate Oshiomhole’s influence in leading the party to pick its standard-bearer without disputes.

Other aspirants for the party’s ticket include Hon. Dekeri Anamero, an accomplished industrialist and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, among others. The diverse array of candidates promises a competitive and vibrant race for the party’s nomination.

The Edo governorship election will be held on September 21, 2024.