Confusion Over Parallel Primaries and Claims of Victory Clouds APC’s Senatorial Election in Edo

Parallel elections reportedly disrupted the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for the Edo South senatorial seat.

According to the Daily Post, two aspirants—Pastor Osagie Ize‑Ihama and Omoregie Ogbeide‑Ihama—both claim to have won the party’s nomination.

The primary was allegedly carried out by supporters loyal to Ogbeide‑Ihama, who is said to be sponsored by Chief Nyesow Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and reportedly backed by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

Mohammad Ajana, chairman of the primary election committee, declared Ogbeide‑Ihama the highest scorer.

Ajana reported that Ogbeide‑Ihama received 27,154 votes, while his nearest rival, Senator Neda Imasuen, garnered 13,580 votes, and Ize‑Ihama received 6,785 votes across all 77 wards in the seven local government areas of the senatorial district.

In a separate tally, chief returning officer Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru announced Pastor Osagie Ize‑Ihama as the winner.

Kabiru stated that Ize‑Ihama polled 33,399 votes, Ogbeide‑Ihama 12,560 votes, and Imasuen 5,107 votes.

Shortly after the announcement, Pastor Ize‑Ihama expressed gratitude to his supporters and pledged to provide better representation if elected in the upcoming general election.

He said the victory would be a significant milestone as he prepares to represent the APC in the senatorial district.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were reportedly present to observe the primaries held across the seven local government areas that comprise the senatorial district.