In what looks like a dramatic twist, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have bowed to pressure from the camp of former governor of Edo state, and now Edo North senator, Adams Oshiomhole, as the party has rejected the nomination of Omorogie Ogbeide Ihiama as running mate to senator Monday Okpebholo, who is the party’s governorshiip candidate ahead of the September 21 governorshiip election in the state
Ihiama, a stalwart of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo state, who also contested for his party’s ticket for the election, but lost to Asuelimien Ighodalo, was surprisingly announced as running mate to Okpebholo, amid controversy
Following protest and threat to continue the legal pursuit by Hon. Denis Idahosa, who was earlier declared winner of the canceled primary that was conducted by Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, it was gathered that the leadership of the party has finally settled for Hon. Dennis Idahosa as its deputy governorship candidate in the September 21 Edo Governorship election.
Inside sources in the party disclosed that Idahosa’s choice was taken after a late night meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC), some Edo state stakeholders of the party and vice president Kashim Shettima on Sunday
According to the source, National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Bashiru will present Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party’s flag bearer and the new running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa today.
Idahosa now replaces Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama who was announced by the governorship candidate last week as his running mate
The decision it was gathered was aimed at ensuring that the APC goes into the election as a united party, following the crisis and protests that trailed both the first and second primary election which led to the emergence of parallel candidates in Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Denis Idahosa who were then both claiming to be authentic candidates of the party
Also in the peace meeting were the party’s flag bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, former Edo Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomole and Hon. Idahosa.
