The rivalry between the camp of Edo state governor Senator Monday okpekholo and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu again resurfaced at the Edo South senatorial district primary as both claimed to be the winner of the contest.
In all seven local governments that make up Edo South, it was observed that APC Members loyal to the governor’s candidate, Ogbeide Ihama, and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu held tight their stronghold.
Though there was tension in some places in Egor, Ikpoba Okha and Oredo, pockets of complaints were also recorded in some wards in Ovia North East local government areas.
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However, INEC officials were seen monitoring the primary in different locations despite claims of the different groups.
Some persons loyal to the governor’s camp said their preferred candidate, Ogbeide, is coasting to victory with a large margin.
They said voting was orderly, except for some alleged intruders who were trying to confuse, which they quickly intercepted.
“We came here very early to ensure we carry out the directive of the governor because we already have an adopted candidate supported by the governor and the leadership of the party; any other one is not recognised.”
However, those loyal to pastor Ize Iyamu expressed satisfaction, especially the turnout of Party members for their candidates in virtually all the seven local government areas of Edo South.
They said, though, that alleged thugs from the government circle attempted to disrupt the exercise, seeing that their preferred candidate was already losing, but were overpowered.
“We knew their plans beforehand to disrupt the stronghold of pastor Ize Iyamu, but unfortunately, we had a better plan to dislodge them and that singular act gave our candidate pastor Ize Iyamu the victory”
However, despite the conflicting results, all party members had to wait for the final result from the APC national to know whose result is authentic.
Meanwhile, the incumbent senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has described the primary as a sham.
He said a situation where he was denied voting in his own ward and had to leave to avoid violence didn’t tell well of the exercise.
“In my own ward in Uhunwonde, I was disenfranchised with the acting Chairman telling me not to form any line as it has already been concluded with the directive of the governor that it is only Ogbeide Ihama or nothing.”
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