By Joy Thomas
BENIN CITY- Angry youths of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State stormed the party Secretariat and chased out members of the State Working Committee (SWC).
The youths who accused party officials of alleged plot to sabotage the APC in the September 21 governorship poll in Edo State, thereafter took over the Secretariat of the party.
The development is believed to be a fallout of the February 17, APC governorship primary election, during which three aspirants laid claim to victory.
While Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee announced Hon. Dennis Idahosa as winner of the primary, Dr. Stanley Ugboajah Uzomoaka, the State Returning officer for the exercise declared Senator Monday Okpebholo. However, Mr. Ojo Babatunde, Spokesman of the Local Government Returning Officers, declared Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri as winner of the APC candidate.
Leader of the APC youths in the State, Comrade. Tony Adun who spoke during protest accused the State APC leadership of working at cross-purpose with the national leadership of the party.
He alleged that officials collected the sum of $250,000 bribes from a certain governorship aspirant who is laying claim to victory at the party’s February 17 governorship primary of the party.
He said: “Hon. Idahosa, won Saturday primary as announced by Hope Uzodinma, the chairman of the APC Electoral Committee.
“We the youths are saying this is our time. And a youth has emerged. We the youths will resist the SWC members working against him (Idahosa).
“I want to tell the National Working Committee that members of the State Working Committee (SWC) disobeyed their directives and should be suspended from the party,” he stated.
The National leadership of the party had affirmed Dennis Idahosa as the APC candidate. The party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje congratulated him on his victory.
However, members of the State Working Committee in a statement by its spokesman, Barr. Igbinigie Uwadia countered the national decision, and affirmed the primary result announced by Dr. Stanley Ugboajah Uzomoaka
In his reaction, the State Publicity Secretray, Barr. Igbinigie Uwadiae said, “Am not in a position to react to it now. Subsequently, when I have the full details, I will.”
