Edo 2024: Group backs Uzodimma for upholding principles of democracy 

• Protesting youths take over Edo APC secretariat, demand sacks of state exco
• INEC monitored, recognises only one primary election, says REC

A group, All Progressives Congress (APC) Renewed Hope Coalition, Edo State chapter, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma-led electoral committee for conducting a free, fair and credible primary in Edo State.

The group hailed the Uzodimma-led electoral committee, following the outcome of the just concluded APC governorship primary in Edo, which saw the emergence of member, House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa.

Convener, APC Renewed Hope Coalition, Steven Jim, said that Uzodimma has set a new standard for conducting primaries by prioritising transparency and inclusivity.

Briefing newsmen in Benin City on the outcome of the APC primary election, Jim said that the emergence of Idahosa, as the lawful winner of the primary, is a testament of APC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the democratic ideals upon which the nation is founded.

He said: “At this point, we will like to commend the Imo State governor for his exemplary leadership and commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria. Because, under his watch, the just concluded APC primary in Edo stands as a shining example of transparency, fairness and integrity in the electoral committee.

“We unequivocally pass a vote of confidence on the Uzodimma-led electoral committee for conducting a free, fair and credible primary.

“The emergence of Idahosa, as the winner of the primary, is a testament to APC’s commitment to promoting excellence and competence in governance.”

Meanwhile, dissatisfied with the conduct of officials at the primary election, some angry youths and women, yesterday, embarked on a peaceful protest, demanding for the sack of the state EXCO, led by acting Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe.

The youth leader of the party, Tony Adun, popularly known as Kabaka, led the protesters. The youth, who took over the secretariat, vowed to stay at the building for seven days.

However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, yesterday, said that the Commission only monitored the APC governorship primary, which was held at the Lushville Hotel and Suites. The REC disclosed this while charting with journalists in Benin City.

The Guardian learnt that political thugs invaded Lushville Hotel and Suite, while collation and announcement of results were ongoing, disrupted the exercise, assaulted journalists and destroyed their working tools. The thugs also beat up APC electoral officers.

The REC noted that the Supreme Court has taken a decision on monitoring of the party primary.