Working Committee raises alarm over alleged sinister plot of Idahosa's supporters

Aftermath of Edo APC primary: State Working Committee raises àlarm of sinister plot by supporters of Dennis Idahosa 

...N20m earmarked for plot execution 

From our political desk, Benin

Whatsapp chat of the group as released by the SWC

The State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Edo State has raised the alarm of a sinister plot allegedly being hatched by supporters of Hon. Dennis Idahosa who claims his mandate was stolen in the just concluded Governorship primary elections of the Party in the State.

A press release issued by the Party's State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae Igbinigie Esq. and made available to the media in Benin, Edo State Capital said: ”It has come to the knowledge of the State Working Committee, (SWC), that there is a sinister move orchestrated by some leaders of the Party to cause breach of public peace and massive destruction of properties simultaneously in Benin and Abuja.”

The SWC listed six persons as leaders of the plot which seeks to fight for the redemption of what they called; 'stolen mandate’ of Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa by the Party.

The alleged leaders include: Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Hon. Billy Osawaru, immediate past deputy Governor of the State, Pius Egberamwam Odubu, Dr. Samson Osagie, Mr. Benson Edosomwan and Hon. Pius Alile, husband of the Party's national women leader, Mary Alile.

36 other members of the alleged plot were listed as  having already made huge and handsome donations targeted to raise N20 Million to mobilise 1,000 youths to prosecute its execution.

The SWC alleged that the Party leaders were leaving no stone unturned to actuate the dastardly act as planned.., adding; that they have also mobilised resources and equipment including dangerous weapons such as guns and explosives to be deployed on their planned schedule and date as appropriate to them.

Joshua Uwagboe, a member of the alleged plotters in reaction said: “We are all members of the APC. We can screenshot the WhatsApp group we have put together: ‘Justice for Denco’ in support of Dennis Idahosa because the outcome of the party primary held on Thursday, 22 February, 2024 did not reflect the true result of the exercise.

“Even the press release you talked about is belated because the said protest already held today; Monday, 26 February, 2024 both in Benin and Abuja. 

"We did a peaceful protest to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat stating our grievances and demanding justice because the media is the watchdog of the society.

“It is not true we are planning violence!

“If those behind the press release are truly aware we are donating money to stage a violent protest, are they not supposed to reach out to the aggrieved and find a way to appease them instead of the way they are handling the situation now?”

Also, Dr. Pius Alile when contacted by phone, simply declined comment.

While effort to reach other alleged members of the plot was not successful as at the time of filling this report on Monday evening.

The APC Governorship election primary first held on Saturday, 17 February, 2024 and three aspirants: Monday Okpebholo; Dennis Idahosa and Sunday Anamero Dekeri were announced at different venues as winners.

Consequently, the national leadership of the Party declared the process inconclusive and ordered a fresh one on Thursday, 22 February, 2024.

The exercise was again threatened by high scale tension occasioned  by supporters of Idahosa and eventual winner; Senator Monday Okpebholo amidst heavy security presence which averted tales that touches the heart.