By Milcah Tanimu

In Benin, Edo State, irate youths and women have stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, demanding the removal of the state executives led by acting Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, following Saturday’s contentious governorship primary election.

The primary yielded three purported winners, adding confusion to the process. Governor Hope Uzodimma, serving as the Electoral Committee Chairman, declared Dennis Idahosa as the victor, while Stanley Ugboaja, the returning officer, announced Monday Okpebholo as the winner. In contrast, Ojo Babatunde, claiming to represent the returning officers across all local governments, declared Anamero Dekeri as the rightful winner.

Led by the party’s youth leader, Tony Adun, popularly known as Kabaka, the agitated crowd forcefully entered the premises, removing furniture, bags of rice, and other items. They asserted their intent to occupy the building for seven days.

Adun affirmed their resolve not to vacate until the executive committee is dissolved, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the committee’s handling of the election. Furthermore, they pledged support for Dennis Idahosa’s candidacy in the upcoming gubernatorial election, scheduled for September.

With a significant turnout of youths and women, the demonstration underscored the growing discontent within the party ranks over the conduct of the primary election.