During a recent political election, the Progressive Conglomerate Party (CPP) was at the center of controversy regarding the results of its primary. Felix Morka, PPC National Communications Secretary, issued a late statement on Tuesday, February 20, revealing the party’s decision regarding this controversial primary.
The primary election, which held on Saturday, February 17, saw Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Edo Primary Election Committee, declare Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of representatives, as the winner of the competition. Idahosa would have received 40,483 votes, according to Uzodimma.
However, delegates from various local government areas (LGAs) in the state proclaimed Sunday Dekeri, MP representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as the winner of the primary. Ojo Babatunde, spokesperson for the delegates, said Dekeri received 25,384 votes, beating Idahosa.
The PPC Stakeholders Forum raised allegations that Idahosa was declared the winner before the completion of the exercise.
Emmanuel Godwin, coordinator of the group, criticized Hope Uzodimma for prematurely announcing Idahosa as the winner, arguing that Uzodimma did not have the authority to usurp the functions of local constituency delegates.
The controversy came to a head when Monday Okpebholo, a senator representing central Edo and a gubernatorial aspirant, claimed that he had won the election by over 6,000 votes.
Several challengers withdrew from the race before the primary election. Notably, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former candidate in the previous election, justified his decision in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
On election day, Lucky Imasuen and Ernest Afolabi also withdrew from the contest, citing the party’s decision to reserve the nomination for the state’s central senatorial district.
This controversy within the PPC has highlighted the internal tensions and dissensions that can arise during electoral processes, highlighting the need for increased transparency and fairness to ensure the integrity of political primaries and elections.