Edo State braces for a political showdown today as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gear up to elect their gubernatorial candidates. The APC primary, which was originally scheduled earlier but mired in controversy and disputes over results, has been rescheduled to take place today amidst heightened tension and anticipation.
The competition for the APC ticket is expected to be intense among notable contenders, including House of Representatives member Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okphebolo, and Prince Clem Agba. Although Dennis Idahosa was initially declared the winner of the first primary election conducted by the Hope Uzodinma-led committee, protests from other contenders prompted the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to set aside the result and appoint another chairman to oversee the fresh primary taking place today. It remains to be seen whether Idahosa, rumored to enjoy the support of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, will secure another victory, warding off challenges from his opponents.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s primary represents a significant test for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s political influence within the party. Obaseki faces tough competition from adversaries such as his deputy, Philip Shaibu, and Dan Orbih, who have expressed dissent over his endorsement of Asue Ighodalo, a prominent lawyer, as his favored successor. The decision to adopt an indirect primary process by the PDP introduces another layer of drama, as delegates, rather than the general membership, will determine the party’s gubernatorial candidate. The selection of delegates forms yet another battleground between the governor’s faction and other rival factions within the party in the state.
With both parties vying to garner support and consolidate their positions ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial elections, the stakes are palpably high.
