A Lone Voice In The Wilderness : Did APC Loose It As Anamero Takes Party To Court Over Edo Gubernatorial Primaries ?

A Lone Voice In The Wilderness : Did APC Loose It As Anamero Takes Party To Court Over Edo Gubernatorial Primaries ?....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dekeri Anamero, the legislator representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, appears to be operating in his own realm. Not only has he taken the party to court, but he has also communicated with the INEC chairman, explicitly stating that under no circumstances should anyone else be declared as the gubernatorial candidate for the party in the upcoming September Governorship election, except himself...CONTINUE READING.

Reject Senator Monday Okpebholo’s Nomination:CONTINUE READING.

Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri requests INEC, in line with section 84(13), to reject the nomination of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC candidate for the Edo State Governorship election.

He argues that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s nomination is invalid, wrongful, and illegal, as it goes against the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the party’s constitution and guidelines for primaries.

Acknowledge His Accrued and Vested Rights:

Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri asserts that, as the rightful winner of the primary election held on 17th February 2024, his accrued and vested rights to be declared the APC candidate for the Edo State Governorship election have become established.

He urges INEC to recognize and uphold these rights, stating that they cannot be extinguished or defeated by a subsequent declaration in a supplementary primary.

Inform INEC of the Pending Lawsuit:

The letter aims to inform INEC of the pendency of the lawsuit (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/299/2024) challenging the primary election results.

It requests INEC not to accept, receive, or process the nomination of Senator Monday Okpebholo or any other candidate apart from Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri until the court makes a substantive determination.

Emphasize Prudence and Compliance:

The letter urges INEC to exercise prudence and comply with the legal principle that, once a defendant is notified of a pending lawsuit seeking an injunction, they act at their peril.

It suggests that INEC should indicate that the Edo State APC Governorship election processes are fraught with litigation until the court makes a substantive determination, aligning with the legal principle mentioned in the letter.

If INEC were to heed Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri’s suggestions, the implications for the APC could be significant:

Internal Party Strife:

The party may face internal strife and division due to the rejection of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s nomination, potentially exacerbating existing tensions within the APC in Edo State.

Loss of Credibility:

The rejection of a nominated candidate could tarnish the party’s credibility, signaling internal disarray and a lack of adherence to constitutional and electoral guidelines.

Impact on Election Campaign:

The delay in officially declaring the APC candidate for the Edo State Governorship election may hinder the party’s election campaign and preparation, affecting its ability to present a unified front.

Legal Precedent for Future Disputes:

The decision would set a legal precedent within the party for handling future disputes and conflicts related to primary elections, emphasizing the importance of adherence to internal democratic processes.

Voter Confidence:

The rejection of a candidate and the acknowledgment of internal disputes may erode voter confidence in the party, potentially affecting its performance in the upcoming election.

Potential Repercussions in Other Contests:

The decision may have implications for other party contests and nominations, creating a ripple effect on the APC’s overall standing in the region.

In summary, heeding Hon. Anamero’s suggestions could lead to internal discord, credibility challenges, and potential setbacks for the APC in Edo State, impacting the party’s image and electoral prospects.

If INEC chooses not to heed Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri’s advice and proceeds with accepting Senator Monday Okpebholo’s nomination, potential implications include prolonged legal battles, allegations of violating legal rights, questions about INEC’s impartiality, deepening internal crisis within the APC, erosion of voter confidence, political instability, and a possible impact on the election outcome.

In conclusion, the situation unfolding with Dekeri Anamero’s legal action and explicit demands to INEC highlights a critical juncture for the APC in the aftermath of the Edo Gubernatorial Primaries. Anamero’s bold and independent stance, coupled with his notable influence, has cast a spotlight on internal challenges within the party. The potential consequences of INEC’s response to his demands could significantly impact the APC’s unity, credibility, and electoral prospects in Edo State.

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

Source iReporteronline