Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) involved in conducting the primary election in Edo State, recently shed light on the intricate details of the process.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Duru addressed various aspects of the primaries, including allegations of bias, the controversy surrounding Gov Hope Uzodimma’s role, and more.
Duru provided a comprehensive assessment of the primary election process, emphasizing transparency and credibility.
He outlined the meticulous steps taken from the outset, starting with the publication of the election schedule on January 8, 2024.
This timeline meticulously led to the eventual winner’s selection on February 17. The process included stakeholder engagements, the sale of nomination forms, and the crucial task of updating the membership register to ensure fairness.
Highlighting the significance of a credible membership register, Duru revealed the startling revelation that the initially claimed 1.5 million APC members in Edo State were significantly inflated.
Through rigorous verification processes, only around 73,000 financial members were identified.
This stark contrast raised pertinent questions about the party’s historical performance in the state and the need for transparent electoral practices.
To further enhance transparency, Duru explained the rigorous validation process undertaken to verify and update membership records.
Despite efforts to ensure inclusivity, only 42,000 members participated in the updating process, signaling a stark departure from previous chaotic elections.
Duru underscored the unprecedented nature of these measures, highlighting their effectiveness in ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
He credited the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and emphasized the adherence to party regulations regarding membership validation.
Regarding the interruption of the primary election process, Duru clarified that it was not a cancellation but a necessary response to security concerns.
The disruption led to a rescheduling of the process, which ultimately culminated in the affirmation of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the party’s candidate.
Responding to queries about Gov Hope Uzodimma’s role, Duru clarified that his absence during the rescheduled exercise was due to prior national commitments. Sen Otu seamlessly took over, ensuring continuity and integrity in the process.
Addressing concerns raised by dissenting voices, Duru emphasized overwhelming support for the primary process from party stakeholders, including former candidates who rallied behind the chosen candidate.
He urged unity within the party ranks to secure victory in the upcoming election.
In conclusion, Duru acknowledged the challenges facing the country but expressed optimism about the positive impacts of government policies.
He emphasized the need for effective governance at both national and state levels, highlighting Senator Okpebholo’s candidacy as a beacon of hope for the people of Edo State.
