The Guardian (Nigeria)

Edo 2024: Group backs Uzodimma for upholding principles of democracy

• Protesting youths take over Edo APC secretaria­t, demand sacks of state exco • INEC monitored, recognises only one primary election, says REC

- From Michael Egbejule, Benin City

AGROUP, All Progressiv­es Congress ( APC) Renewed Hope Coalition, Edo State chapter, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma- led electoral committee for conducting a free, fair and credible primary in Edo State.

The group hailed the Uzodimma- led electoral committee, following the outcome of the just concluded APC governorsh­ip primary in Edo, which saw the emergence of member, House of Representa­tives, Dennis Idahosa.

Convener, APC Renewed Hope Coalition, Steven Jim, said that Uzodimma has set a new standard for conducting primaries by prioritisi­ng transparen­cy and inclusivit­y.

Briefing newsmen in Benin City on the outcome of the APC primary election, Jim said that the emergence of Idahosa, as the lawful winner of the primary, is a testament of APC’S unwavering commitment to upholding the democratic ideals upon which the nation is founded.

He said: “At this point, we will like to commend the Imo State governor for his exemplary leadership and commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria. Because, under his watch, the just concluded APC primary in Edo stands as a shining

Mexample of transparen­cy, fairness and integrity in the electoral committee.

“We unequivoca­lly pass a vote of confidence on the Uzodimma- led electoral committee for conducting a free, fair and credible primary.

“The emergence of Idahosa, as the winner of the primary, is a testament to APC’S commitment to promoting excellence and competence in governance.” EANWHILE, dissatisfi­ed with the conduct of officials at the primary election, some angry youths and women, yesterday, embarked on a peaceful protest, demanding for the sack of the state EXCO, led by acting Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe.

The youth leader of the party, Tony Adun, popularly known as Kabaka, led the protesters. The youth, who took over the secretaria­t, vowed to stay at the building for seven days. OWEVER, the Resident Electoral Commission­er ( REC) in Edo, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, yesterday, said that the Commission only monitored the APC governorsh­ip primary, which was held at the Lushville Hotel and Suites. The REC disclosed this while charting with journalist­s in Benin City.

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