Conflicting Results Rock Edo APC Senatorial Primary as Rival Candidates Claim Victory
The Edo South Senatorial District APC primary is embroiled in controversy following conflicting declarations of results by rival electoral officials. While Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama was initially announced as the winner by one faction, another returning officer declared Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the victor. This situation has led to heightened tension, allegations of irregularities, and leaves the final outcome in dispute.
Confusion has engulfed the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Edo South Senatorial District after rival electoral officials announced different winners from the same exercise.
The controversy has left the outcome of the primary in dispute, with both Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Osagie Ize-Iyamu laying claim to victory.
At a declaration in Benin City, Mohammed Ajana, identified as chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Elections Committee for Edo State, announced Ogbeide-Ihama as the winner of the contest.
According to the results announced, Ogbeide-Ihama secured 27,154 votes, ahead of Neda Imasuen, who reportedly polled 13,580 votes, while Ize-Iyamu received 6,785 votes.
The announcement appeared to settle the contest until another electoral official released a different set of results. A second declaration dramatically altered the picture and triggered fresh uncertainty within the party.
Muhammadu Kabiru, who also identified himself as a returning officer, declared Ize-Iyamu the winner of the primary. He announced that the former governorship candidate scored 33,399 votes, while Ogbeide-Ihama received 12,560 votes and Imasuen polled 5,107 votes.
The conflicting figures immediately sparked confusion among party members and supporters, with both camps insisting they had legitimately won the contest.
The primary election was conducted across the 77 wards in the seven local government areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District. Party members reportedly turned out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.
Although voting was generally peaceful, reports indicated that isolated clashes broke out in parts of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwode local government areas as supporters of rival aspirants disputed aspects of the process.
Prior to the announcements, both Ize-Iyamu and Imasuen had expressed concerns about the conduct of the primary, alleging irregularities capable of affecting its credibility.
Following the declaration that named him winner, Ize-Iyamu thanked his supporters and expressed confidence ahead of the next stage of the electoral process.
As of the time of reporting, the party had not issued a definitive clarification on the conflicting results. The dispute is expected to draw the attention of the APC national leadership as stakeholders seek an official resolution to the deepening intra-party controversy.