The Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Saturday said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party whose internal workings and decisions are guided by its constitution and rules.
He noted that the ruling party operates within the bounds of Nigerian law and respects democratic principles.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor made the assertions while fielding questions from newsmen during the conduct of the party’s primary for the Ovia Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for August 16.
While commending the people for their peaceful disposition during the primary, Idahosa expressed excitement that true internal democracy was at play for the primary.
The deputy governor who cast his vote at Iguobazuwa West, Ward 2, declared that “APC is leadership driven political party”, noting that the exercise was peaceful and well coordinated in all the wards visited by him.
Highlighting the uniqueness of his ward, he said, “This is my ward, Iguobazuwa West Ward 2. Voting here was impressive as a mammoth crowd endorsed Omosede.
“We await results of the 23 Wards that make up Ovia Federal Constituency, which consists of the two Ovia local governments.”
Idahosa declared that the conduct of the primary marked a benchmark in Ovia Federal Constituency electioneering process based on the voluntary withdrawal of other aspirants to make way for the emergence of Omosede Igbinedion, as the sole candidate.
The stand, he noted, was based on the fact that Igbinedion, a former member of the Green chamber, stood a good chance with present political data showing a shortfall of the female gender in the political terrain.
“This brought up the need for gender inclusiveness, as there are presently no female candidates representing Edo state at the National Assembly,” he stated.
Simirlarly, a member of the party’s National Electoral Commitee, Jafaru Leko, declared that the process was “smooth, organised and credible.”
Also, the chairman of the primary in the federal constituency, Lucky Ajokperiniovo, announced the final results of the primary conducted in 23 wards that make up the federal constituency.
He declared Igbinedion, the sole candidate winner of the primary, with a total of 5819 votes.
“With this aggregate score in the two council areas, Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion is hereby announce as the winner of the primary and the party’s candidate for the bye-election,” he stated.
It would be recalled that the Ovia Dederal Constituency seat became vacant following the election of the former holder, Dennis Idahosa, as the deputy governor of the state.
Igbinedion, then member of the Peoples Party (PDP) , was the occupant of the Ovia FEderal Constituency seat in the 8th Assembly.
She was defeated by Idahosa while seeking reelection in the 2019 general elections.
