By Mohammed Bello Doka
The political arena in Edo State was engulfed in chaos as the APC primaries descended into a mire of irregularities, leaving voters bewildered and the democratic process tarnished. What should have been a straightforward exercise in selecting the party's gubernatorial candidate turned into a saga of power struggles, backroom deals, and bitter disputes.
The seeds of discord were sown when the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC declared the primaries inconclusive, citing alleged discrepancies and parallel congresses conducted by rival factions within the party. This decision triggered a wave of protests and accusations, with major stakeholders decrying the lack of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
At the center of the storm was Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose eventual emergence as the party's gubernatorial candidate came amidst a flurry of controversy and confusion. Initially, it appeared that Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa had clinched victory, only for the outcome to be overturned following a rescheduled election marred by reports of voter intimidation and ballot tampering.
The intricate web of declarations and endorsements added fuel to the fire, with different factions within the party throwing their support behind competing candidates. Dennis Idahosa garnered favor from the announcement by Hope Uzodinma, while Monday Okpebholo received backing from the state party chairman. Meanwhile, the declaration of Hon Dekeri Anamero by the LG returning officer further muddied the waters, leaving voters scratching their heads in bewilderment.
As accusations of rigging and political maneuvering flew back and forth, the credibility of the electoral process hung in the balance. The replacement of Hope Uzodinma without a corresponding replacement for his deputy raised suspicions of selective personnel changes aimed at influencing the outcome of the primaries.
Amidst the turmoil, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole found himself thrust into the spotlight, his endorsement of a favored candidate sparking outrage and division within the party. Despite his longstanding commitment to the welfare of the Benin people and his efforts to promote their interests in the political arena, Oshiomhole became a lightning rod for criticism and scorn from disillusioned party members.
The aftermath of the primaries cast a long shadow over the political landscape of Edo State, with the democratic aspirations of the people overshadowed by allegations of malpractice and manipulation. As the gubernatorial election loomed on the horizon, the need for accountability, transparency, and electoral reform became more urgent than ever, lest the voices of the electorate be drowned out by the clamor for power and influence.
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