The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, as the chairman of its governorship primary election committee in Edo State.
This followed a series of petitions for the removal of the chairman of the election committee, Hope Uzodinma, from various quarters.
The aspirants in their petition stated, “We strongly believe that whatever was responsible for his flagrant disregard for due process and unusual hasty declaration of unconfirmed fictitious results of the primaries outside the designated collation centre may not have abated from his mind, and therefore may be repeated if given the opportunity to play the same role as chairman in the process.
“In the circumstance, we are calling on Mr. President to kindly use his good offices to replace Senator Hope Uzodinma with any other respected member of our great party, as chairman whom the President strongly believes will comply with the law, maintain internal democracy, protect and defend the integrity and goodwill of the President which he has attained over the years that endeared him to both national and international stakeholders.”
In similar vein, a group, African Civil Society Forum while petitioning for the removal of the Imo governor stated: “On behalf of the African Civil Society Forum and under the auspices of the Directorate of Political Affairs and Governance, I wish to commend Mr. President for his decisive intervention in this matter.
“His fatherly role in seeking a resolution to the contentious primary election impasse is commendable and reflects his commitment to upholding democratic values and principles. Call for Adherence to Democratic Principles:
“We hereby call on Sen. Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of Edo APC governorship primary election, to step aside, having conducted a shabby primary which is described by Nigerians as a quagmire to build trust on the process.”
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the panel, had chaired the committee, which triggered controversy after producing three different candidates – Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Anamero Sunday Dekeri – and declared Dennis Idahosa the winner of the exercise.
Following the controversy, the National Working Committee of the ruling party declared the initial primary election inconclusive and held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja, where it was resolved that a fresh primary would be conducted on Thursday.
In a list released on the eve of the new primary, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River was listed as the chairman of the new committee that will oversee the election.
Before the announcement, there was outrage from various quarters demanding the removal of Uzodinma as chairman of the panel.
In a statement jointly signed by Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere, rtd, the aspirants said Uzodinma did not observe the minimum requirements for compliance with the relevant provisions of the laws and regulations guiding the election as provided in both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution.
