A Closer Look At Dennis Idahosa’s Case Against Edo APC And Okpebholo And Its Merits: An Open Assessment

A Closer Look At Dennis Idahosa’s Case Against Edo APC And Okpebholo And Its Merits: An Open Assessment

There are hints that the Edo State APC may need to recede and signal a reconciliation, which should include reaching out to Adams Oshiomhole. Dennis Idahosa and other stakeholders in resolving this issue with the Gubernatorial poll, as a deeper look at the law case filed by Dennis Idahosa reveals significant substance in Idahosa’s argument, which will undoubtedly make the entire process lengthy…READ FULL ARTICLE .

When a case holds significant merit, it can progress extensively, potentially reaching the Supreme Court as its ultimate destination. The ramifications of this could lead to a disoriented campaign lacking focus and ideology due to the distractions it poses. Based on past occurrences, it’s evident that INEC might withhold recognition of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the authentic winner of the gubernatorial primaries until the Supreme Court issues its ruling. It’s ironic that such a default action could set the APC in the state back by 30%, providing the PDP and rapidly emerging LP with a considerable advantage.

Before I go any further, let me dissect the implications of Dennis Idahosa’s case against the state’s party and its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Please keep in mind that this is meant to be read with an open mind because as a Party Man (APC protege), I want the best for my party, so if you read my POST with a “GOAT EYE” it is your concern,.

However, I’m committed to providing an honest assessment, regardless of any biases. So, sit back, relax, grab your popcorn and drink, and let’s explore this with clarity and objectivity.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key points supporting his position:

Monitoring and Declaration of Results by INEC:

Dennis Idahosa asserts that the INEC monitored the February 17th, 2024 exercise, where he was declared the winner with 40,453 votes.

Continuation of the Election Process:

He argues that the February 20th primary was not a standalone election but a continuation of the February 17th exercise. Therefore, the results of the February 17th exercise should not be disregarded.

APC Confirmation to INEC:

The APC confirmed to INEC that the primary election held on February 17th was inconclusive and would be completed on February 22nd, 2024. INEC was invited to monitor the completion exercise.

Vote Discrepancies:

Dennis Idahosa emphasizes that Monday Okpebholo scored 12,433 votes at the February 22nd primary, while he got 6,541 votes. In contrast, Okpebholo scored 100 votes at the February 17th primary, whereas Idahosa scored 40,453 votes.

Total Votes Summation:

The summation of both primaries (February 17th and 22nd) according to Idahosa shows that he won convincingly with 46,994 votes compared to Monday Okpebholo’s 12,533 votes.

Comparison with Other Cases:

Dennis Idahosa cites instances where INEC conducted supplementary elections to determine winners, such as the 2018 governorship election in Osun State. He highlights that the summation of votes from the main and supplementary election determined the winner.

Legal Precedent in Kogi State:

He references a case in Kogi State where INEC declared the 2016 governorship election inconclusive, conducted a supplementary election, and declared a winner upon the summation of votes. The correctness of this procedure was affirmed by the Supreme Court.

Acknowledgment of Foundation in February 17th Election:

Idahosa emphasizes that the representation by APC to INEC that the process of February 22nd, 2024, was a completion acknowledges that it is not a standalone process and has its foundation in the election of February 17th, 2024.

These points collectively suggest that Dennis Idahosa has a solid basis for claiming the APC governorship candidacy in Edo State and may effectively argue his case in the legal proceedings.

The political implications of Dennis Idahosa’s case against the Edo State APC and Senator Monday Okpebholo could significantly influence both the electorate and the party dynamics leading up to the general election. Here’s a breakdown of potential consequences:

The prolonged legal battle may lead to a disillusioned electorate, fostering a potential shift in voter allegiance and disrupting the party’s campaign dynamics. The opposition stands to gain a strategic advantage, while uncertainties surrounding INEC’s recognition and questions about the party’s internal cohesion may impact public perception.

Internal factionalism could weaken the APC, influencing voter turnout and participation. The overall campaign focus may deviate from critical policy discussions, potentially affecting post-election governance. How the APC navigates these challenges will shape its success in the general election and determine its ability to govern cohesively and effectively.

To mitigate the potential negative consequences of Dennis Idahosa’s case and foster a more favorable political landscape for the APC, several strategic solutions can be considered:

The APC should prioritize internal reconciliation, communicate transparently, expedite legal proceedings, emphasize party unity in its campaign, shift the narrative to substantive policy discussions, conduct a thorough review of the primary process, invest in positive public relations, seek guidance from experienced leaders, engage with stakeholders, and implement preventive measures for future primaries. These strategic actions aim to resolve internal conflicts, project a united front, and refocus efforts on substantive issues for a successful general election.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.