A fresh wave of protests engulfed the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Monday as supporters of Edo federal lawmaker, Dennis Idahosa, voiced their grievances against the outcome of the February 22 governorship primary in Edo State.
This demonstration marks the second within a span of two days following Idahosa’s threat to take legal action against the ruling party, alleging foul play in the conduct of the primary election.
The protesters, who converged at the APC national secretariat, barricaded the main gate, demanding an audience with the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to seek redress for what they perceive as an unjust process.
Brandishing banners and placards, the demonstrators accused the party of violating its own constitution during the primary election and urged the National Working Committee to revert to the initial February 17 primary, where Idahosa and two other aspirants were declared winners before the election was declared inconclusive.
Speaking to newsmen at the secretariat, the leader of the protesters, Innocent Ogedengbe argued that the conduct of the rerun poll was contrary to what is contained in the Electoral Act and Constitution of the All Progressives Congress.
He said, “The said primaries of 22nd February 2024 did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 as aspirants were not given equal opportunities of being voted for by party members at the designated centres at the wards that make up Edo State. The party members present to vote did not have their votes cast recorded by any known office of the party’s National Secretariat.
“Quite clearly the result sheets used were completed in the National Secretariat of the party as it did not flow from the reality on the ground in Edo State.
“The said primaries of 17th and 22nd February 2024 were not conducted by open secret ballot by APC as required by relevant provisions of APC constitution and the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is not only unlawful but a crass violation of the APC constitution.
“Our strong prayer is that the injustice perpetrated by the Governor Otu committee be set aside by the party and Hon. Dennis Idahosa be rightfully declared winner on the strength of available extant documentary evidence. Let justice be done.”
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