Sen. Monday Okpebholo, senator representing Edo central, has finally declared the winner of the governorship primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State defeated 11 other aspirants in a keenly contested primary.
He was among the two other aspirants earlier declared winners by different acclaimed electoral committee members in the last Saturday 17 February controversial primaries. Other two acclaimed winners were Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Anamero Dekiri.
Having forseen possible danger ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the NWC of the party has declared the primary election inconclusive and ordered for rerun in all 193 political wards in the state.
Another fresh direct primary was conducted once again yesterday Thursday 22 in the 18 local governments of Edo State with 12 aspirants reportedly contested while the results could not be announced until following afternoon.
However, the result was eventually announced amid tight security watch of the combined security operatives – Police, DSS and the army allowing only party officials, INEC representatives, agents and few others to gain access into the Lusheville Hotel, Benin City the venue used for the collation.
In the results announced by the chairman primary committee of the party, APC, and Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, who replaced Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma in a controversial circumstance, said Sen. Monday Okpebholo scored 12,433 votes while Hon. Dennis Idohosa came second with 6541.
Gov. Otu further declared that Clem Agba scored 2732 votes, Lucky Imasuen 493 votes and Anamero Dekeri 2562 votes
Others were Osagie Ize-Iyamu who garnered 378 votes, Gideon Ikhine 728 votes, Col. David Imuse 423 votes, Charles Airhiavbere 1,181 votes, Oserheimen Osunbor 634 votes, Blessing Agbomhere 731 votes and Ernest Umakhihe 2117 votes.
The total number of voters has declared was 41,784 voters while 31,862 voters were accredited for the exercise.
With the declaration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the 2024 APC governorship primary election in Edo State, he will now fly the flag of the party against 15 other political parties in the September governorship election.
