Idahosa Loses As APC Declares Okpebholo Winner Of Edo Guber Primary

Senator Monday Okpebholo has been declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election following the completion of the exercise in which three candidates emerged as winners last week.

The Chairman of the Revised APC Edo Gubernatorial Election Committee and Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, declared Okpebholo as the winner after the completion of the exercise in Benin, the Edo State, on Friday.

Otu’s declaration aligns with the earlier pronouncement of the Returning Officer for the election, Stanley Ugboaja, that Okpebholo scored the highest number of lawful votes.

Recall that the former chairman of the committee and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, had declared Dennis Idahosa – the anointed candidate of Senator Adams Oshiomhole – as the winner of the poll.

Uzodinma’s declaration that Idahosa polled 40,483 votes to defeat nine other contestants had caused rancour among party members and stakeholders.

The party subsequently annulled Uzodinma’s announcement and declared the process inconclusive.

The Imo state governor was eventually removed as chairman and his deputy, Governor Otu, was appointed to complete the exercise.

Declaring the results on Friday, Otu said a total number of 41,784 votes were cast in the primary with Okpebholo scoring 12, 433 votes to defeat the other eleven aspirants.

According to the result called out by Governor Otu, Dr Blessing A. scored 731 votes; Gerald Charles 1,181 votes; Senator O.O Osunbor 634 votes; Col. David Imose 423 votes; Senator Monday Okpebholo 12,433 votes.

Others are Hon. Dennis Idahosa with 6,541 votes, Everest Afolabi 2,117 votes, Gideon O. Ikhanire 720 votes, Pastor Ize-Iyamu 378 votes, Amero Sunday 2,562 votes, Agba Clement 2,732 votes, and Lucky Imasuen with 493 votes.

Okpebholo will be the party’s candidate during the September 21, 2024 governorship election.