By Lucky Isibor
The confusion trailing the All Progressives Congress Primary election continued on Sunday, 18 February, as Anamero Dekeri became the third aspirant to be declared winner of the exercise.
One Ojo Babatunde, who said he was acting on behalf of all the local government returning officers, said that Dekeri polled 25,384 votes to beat Dennis Idahosa, who polled 14,127 votes to second place.
Babatunde said: “Hon. Dekeri having met the requirements of the law and scored the highest valid votes cast have been declared winner of the election and returned elected.”
Dekeri is the member representing Etsako Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
Addressing newsmen in Benin City after his declaration as winner on Sunday, Dekeri whose address was titled acceptance speech on his nomination as the APC governorship flag bearer for the Edo 2024 governorship election, thanked members and all the organs of the party for nominating him as the flag bearer, assuring that the trust they reposed in him will not be taken for granted.
“On February 17, 2024 members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state Came out to vote for & candidate of their choice to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming gubernatorial election for Edo state. In their wisdom they elected me – Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri as their preferred Candidate.
“In all humility and with a great sense of responsibility I accept this choice which I believe is a reflection of God’s Choice. From the depth Of my heart I say a big thank you to members of Our great party in Edo State for reposing this huge confidence in me, which I must say I do not take for granted. I must also thank critical stakeholders especially the state
and national working committees for insisting on total adherence to electoral guidelines as stipulated in the timetable.
“Let me also appreciate the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring transparency in the conduct of the election.
“At this point, I must acknowledge my contestants and great party members who put up a commendable challenge during the contest. Your participation I must say helps deepen democracy in our party. You fought gallantly and with passion. We might have disagreed during the campaigns which is not unusual in any contest, however our members have made a choice. There is no victor and there is no vanquished. It is APC that has won. Democracy is the winner. Therefore, I invite you to join hands with me and let us match together, shoulder to shoulder with great strength and commitment and remove the temporary occupant at Osadebey Avenue, the POP come September, 2024”.
“While awaiting the affirmation of my victory by the ward delegates as stipulated in the guidelines and other relevant laws, I wish to assure you that in the next few days I shall be unveiling my election manifesto christened ‘Venture of Hope Agenda’
“I therefore call on our party members and Edo State in general to gird their loins and join our campaign efforts to form the next government in the state. A government that will care for you and your children and alleviate your sufferings”
A total of 12 aspirants were screened and cleared for the direct primary by the National leadership of the party, while three, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen and Ernest Umakhihe withdrew before the election.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hope Uzodinma, Imo State governor and Chairman of the primary election committee also declared Hon. Dennis Idahosa winner of the exercise, while the returning officer for the primary, Stanley Ugboaja declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC candidate.
However, thugs had earlier attacked the Lushville Hotel in Benin City where the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja was announcing the results on Saturday afternoon which left many scampering for safety.
Four people were also injured in the process while journalists also scampered for safety after they were alerted of the attack.
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