The All Progressives Congress (APC) clarified the replacement of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State with his Cross River counterpart, Bassey Otu, as Chairman of the Edo governorship primary election during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Governor Uzodimma was “unavoidably unavailable” to complete the primary election, necessitating the need for his deputy to step in.
The party made this announcement following changes issued by APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, on Wednesday, which occurred shortly after four leading Edo State governorship aspirants passed a vote of no confidence in Governor Uzodimma.
Governor Uzodimma had announced Dennis Idahosa as the winner, while returning officer Stanley Ugboaja declared Monday Okpebholo as the winner. Another individual, Ojo Babatunde, representing the returning officers in all the local governments, declared Anamero Dekeri as the winner.
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In response to the situation, the national leadership of the APC declared Saturday’s primary inconclusive.
However, reports emerged in some media outlets suggesting that Governor Uzodimma was sacked, prompting the APC to clarify the situation.
Morka emphasized that Governor Uzodimma was neither “sacked” nor “dropped,” but rather was unable to lead the completion of the party’s Edo State Gubernatorial Primary Election Process due to prior commitments, including presenting a report at the National Economic Council meeting on February 22, 2024.
As a result, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who was the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, graciously accepted to serve as Chairman and complete the Edo State Gubernatorial Primary Election Process.
