Adams Oshiomhole, the senator from Edo North, has been charged by former governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi with attempting to sabotage the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state’s impending governorship race.
Instead of guaranteeing an even playing field, Fayemi charged Oshiomhole with attempting to force gubernatorial candidates at the APC’s postponed primary.
The former governor claimed in a statement signed by his media assistant, Ahmad Sajoh, that Oshiomhole played a key role in Governor Godwin Obaseki’s removal in the run-up to the state’s 2020 governor’s race.
Fayemi said,
“Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some aspirants from contesting the primaries but failed. This is reminiscent of his high-handedness as national chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate loss of Edo State by the APC.
“It would appear the ground was being prepared by Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo State because of his unconscionable behaviour.
“However, the party has demonstrated independence and impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries.
We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party.
“Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants if he chooses not to be neutral but the process must be open, free, and transparent, following the rules.
“My interest is the APC and the party must put its best foot forward in the forthcoming elections.”
In Edo State, the primary election was annulled after three parallel winners emerged.
But, however, Olaja Ojo, Dekeri was declared the winner after receiving more votes than Idahosa.
On Sunday, Dekeri declared that he had won the primary.
However, on Monday, the story took another twist as Senator representing Edo central, Monday Okbholo claimed that he had won.
In the wake of the confusion, the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the primary election results in Edo state inconclusive.
The Party will hold the new primaries today, Thursday, February, 22, 2024.
Governor Bassey otu (Cross River State) will take over as chairman from Sen. Hope Uzodinma.
