Edo 2024: Rep Idahosa Emerges APC Guber Candidate
BY VICTOR BUORO – A Federal lawmaker, Hon Denise Idahosa, has picked the ticket to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election slated for 21st September 2024.
Reports said Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives for Ovia South West federal constituency, polled a total of 40,454 votes to defeat his rival, David Ikhine, who scored 700 votes.
Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who announced the results, said the primary was peaceful and duly conducted across the 18 local government areas and 192 wards.
Governor Uzodinma, while explaining that there was a mixup about the collation venue, said; “There was some kind of misinformation as regards the venue of the primary. This is the secretariat (Protea Hotel) for the election where results were collated and would be announced.”
According to him; “Of the 12 aspirants that contested this primary, Clem Agba scored 100 votes, Senator Monday Okpepholo – 100, Hon. Drkeri Anamero – 230, Engineer Gideon Ikhine – 700 votes. David Imuse – 400 votes, Charles Airhavebere – 163 votes, Prof Osareime Osunbor – 180 votes, Dr. Blessing Agbomere – 50 votes, Hon Denise Idahosa – 40,453 votes.
He said other contestants in the race Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Lucky Imasuen, and Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who reportedly withdrew from the contest scored two (2) votes each.
“Therefore, this is to certify that Honorable Dennis Idaho having scored the highest number of votes cast is hereby declared the winner of the primaries and is returned as the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) for the coming election,” Uzodimma said
It’s ‘Time for Reconciliation’ – Idahosa
An excited Idahosa, who spoke immediately after being declared victorious, dedicated Saturday’s victory to God and the party supporters.
“I want to dedicate this victory to God Almighty, the creator of Heaven and Earth. Because it’s only God who gives power and the people of Edo under the platform of APC have spoken loud and clear,” the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency said, calling for reconciliation.
“I have won the election, and the time of trouble is over. This is the time for reconciliation. For those I have contested with, we are brothers, we are one family. I’m going to start the reconciliation process immediately because I need all of them to win the general election.
“So on that note, I want to thank the people of Edo State, thank APC, thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also thank the members of NWC. ”
Before the announcement, there was some drama as suspected thugs disrupted the collation exercise, forcing the election committee to change venue.
The suspected thugs had invaded the venue, and thrown away cameras belonging to journalists, leading to officials and the pressmen scampering for safety.
Before the primaries, some of the aspirants had accused Idahosa of being the anointed candidate of former Governor Adam Oshiomhole and vowed to resist any attempt to impose a candidate on the party.
Idahosa is the CEO of Eagle Denco Company Limited with an interest in construction, mining, and Real Estate, offering employment for several youths. As a former Edo State Commissioner for Investment, Public and Private Partnership, it is on record that he donated all his salaries to the people of Ovia South West Constituency.
