Rising Tensions At APC Headquarters Ahead Of Scheduled Idahosa Case Hearing

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 14, 2024, as the date to address the complaint filed by Hon. Dennis Idahosa, an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the Edo governorship election and serving lawmaker. Idahosa contests the APC leadership’s decision to deny him victory in the party’s initial Congress, declared inconclusive by the National Working Committee (NWC)

In response to Idahosa’s plea presented by his counsel, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, of Wole Olanipekun & Co., Justice Omotosho directed the service of the originating processes on Senator Monday Okpebolo. This involves delivering the documents to the clerk of the National Assembly or an official at the Senate chambers in the National Assembly’s Three Arms Zone, Abuja, and to an adult person, official, or secretary at the APC office in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Idahosa seeks a court ruling declaring him as the APC’s candidate for the Edo governorship election, challenging the declaration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, who scored 100 votes in the primaries on February 17, 2024, alleging violations of the Electoral Act, the APC constitution, and the Guidelines for Primary Elections.

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The impending court decision has heightened tension at the APC National Headquarters, adding to the existing legal dispute involving Idahosa, the APC, and Senator Akpakomiza.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, explained the party’s efforts to strengthen ties with Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Ganduje emphasized historical similarities and the importance of unity between the two West African nations. During a visit to the NPP headquarters in Accra, Ganduje advocated for mutual learning among African political parties to enhance internal democracy and uplift the living conditions of the continent’s impoverished citizens.

Ganduje, accompanied by APC officials, reciprocated a visit by the NPP leader to Nigeria in late 2023, aiming to institutionalize the relationship between the ruling parties of both countries. The APC National Chairman also called for increased collaboration in monitoring elections in sister countries to foster democratic growth. The NPP’s National Chairman, Mr. Ntim, appreciated the reciprocal visit, urging both parties to sustain the positive momentum. Additionally, discussions at the NPP headquarters covered ending conflicts and insecurity in Africa, with emphasis on sustaining African values and traditions.