Tinubu Brokers Peace In Edo APC, Presents Flag To Gov Candidate Okpebholo

Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu on Monday moved to resolve the lingering crisis within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as he met with the party’s leadership in Abuja.

During the closed-door meeting at the State House, Tinubu officially presented the party’s flag to its governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, ahead of the September 2024 elections.

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The high-stakes meeting was led by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, with key figures like former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole and ex-senator Matthew Urhoghide also in attendance.

While full details were not disclosed, sources suggest Idahosa was asked to withdraw his court case challenging Okpebholo’s candidature.

“The delegation was led to the Villa by the APC Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje,” the report stated. “While the full details of the closed-door talks remain unclear, our correspondent learned that Idahosa has been asked to withdraw his court case against Okpebholo’s candidature.”

The primary election that produced Okpebholo as the APC flagbearer has been mired in controversy. Initially, the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led committee declared Idahosa as the party’s nominee after the first round of voting saw Okpebholo, Idahosa, and Dekeri all lay claim to the ticket.

“The primary election through which Okpebholo emerged as a candidate has been mired in controversy. Idahosa was first declared the party’s nominee by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led committee,” the report noted. “The first round of voting saw the trio of Okpebholo, Idahosa, and Dekeri lay claim to the party’s governorship ticket.”

The party’s National Working Committee subsequently declared the exercise inconclusive due to reported irregularities, leading to a re-run on February 23, where Okpebholo secured 12,433 votes to clinch the nomination.

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As President Tinubu moves to unite the fractured party ahead of the polls, the withdrawal of Idahosa’s legal challenge is seen as a crucial step towards a united APC front in Edo State. With the flag now officially in Okpebholo’s hands, the focus shifts to the campaign trail and the party’s bid to retain control of the strategic state.

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