APC Primaries: Ogbeide-Ihama Meets Oba of Benin After Win as supporters celebrate his victory and next political move in Edo State.
The Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday presented the result sheet from the APC senatorial primaries to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City.
Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama visited the palace with party leaders and supporters. The delegation included Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and APC Chairman Jarett Tenebe.
Former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu and APC Secretary Lawrence Okah also joined the visit. Other APC leaders from Edo South attended the event.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Ogbeide-Ihama said the party conducted the primary election according to APC guidelines and procedures.
According to him, party members voted freely during the exercise. He added that he visited the Oba to present the election result.
Ogbeide-Ihama said the next step was the issuance of certificates of return to APC senatorial candidates nationwide.
“We are waiting for the certificate of return from the national headquarters,” he said.
Jarett Tenebe described the APC primaries in Edo State as successful. He said the party visited the palace to present Ogbeide-Ihama to the Oba.
“As a party that respects tradition, we brought our candidate for royal blessings,” Tenebe said.
He added, “We believe the royal declaration, ‘Oba gha to kpere, Ise,’ will guide him to the Red Chamber.”
Earlier, Pius Odubu spoke on behalf of the delegation. He informed the Oba that Ogbeide-Ihama secured the highest votes in the primary election.
Odubu added that electoral officer Mohammed Ajana issued the result sheet after the exercise.
The Oba welcomed the delegation and prayed for peace and unity within the APC in Edo State.
During the visit, the monarch jokingly asked if Artificial Intelligence generated the result sheet. His comment drew laughter from palace chiefs and delegation members.
Oba Ewuare II thanked the visitors and urged politicians to act peacefully. The monarch stressed that violence should not exist in Edo politics.
He also appealed to aggrieved APC members to embrace reconciliation. Members were urged to work together for Edo South and Edo State.
Addressing political actors, the Oba said every season has its time. He added that God’s timing remains the best.
Oba Ewuare II also recalled his long relationship with Ogbeide-Ihama and his family. He said the family remained well known to the palace.
The monarch later prayed for Ogbeide-Ihama. Palace chiefs also received instructions to remember him in their prayers.
