Edo APC Primary: Clem Agba Rejects Results

Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has rejected the outcome of the All Progressive Congress governorship primary elections in Edo State.

Dennis Idahosa was declared the winner and gubernatorial candidate of the party for Edo State.

Agba, who also contested the primary, expressed gratitude to his supporters in a statement on Saturday, but said the process did not meet democratic standards.

He said many loyal party members were disenfranchised during the process.

Recall that the chairman of the APC primary election committee and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, announced that Idahosa polled 40,483 to defeat nine other contestants

Agba who is the immediate past Minister of State, Budget & National Planning, while reacting to the outcome of the election, stated that the results announced undermined the principles of democracy and fair play. He noted that the reported outcome also ridiculed the democratic values of one man, one vote.

He said, “To my good people of Edo State and esteemed members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for my candidature.

“Unfortunately what we have all witnessed in the APC party primaries in Edo State on Saturday February 17th, 2024 falls below the minimum standard of democratic elections that is universally acceptable.

“I believe strongly that thousands of loyal party members were disenfrachished. Based on the
authentic turnout, we clinched victory. The result so far announced is a ridicule and undermines the principles of democracy and fair play. The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party greatly undermined.”

While maintaining loyalty to the party, Agba declared his refusal to be part of a process that denies the party members their right to vote. He called for unity to challenge the perceived injustice, promising to pursue justice swiftly within the party’s guidelines.

“While I remain a loyal party member, I will not be part of a process that robs the mass of our loyal party members of their inalienable right to vote. What has taken place in Edo State negates all that even our political leaders have taught us over the years about democracy, the will of the people, one man, one vote and justice and fair play.

“We must come together to challenge this great injustice and restore the integrity and strength of our great party. Such Impunity that the people have been subjected to should have no place in our great party.

“We will proceed speedily within the guidelines laid down by our party to seek for justice,” he declared.

While expressing gratitude to his supporters, Agba emphasized that the fight for a better future for Edo State would persist.

The former minister urged everyone to march forward with courage and conviction until justice is served and the people’s will is honored.

“I want to thank everyone that has supported me for your unwavering commitment and belief in our vision and qualification. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind
our campaign, and I am truly grateful.

“As we move forward, remember that our journey is far from over. We will continue to fight for a better future for Edo State, a future where every citizen can thrive and succeed. Our resolve is unbreakable, and our commitment unwavering. We will not rest until justice is served and the people’s will is honoured.

“Thank you, and let us march forward with courage and conviction,” he said.

Idahosa who was declared as the candidate of the APC in the September 21 governorship election in the state, currently represents Ovia South/ West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He served as Commissioner for Investment, Public and Private Partnership under the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in 2014.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that the APC flagbearer in the last governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, announced his withdrawal from the race.

A former deputy governor of the state, Lucky Imasuen also stepped down.