Tinubu Faces 2.5 Million Vote Loss in Edo Over Candidate Imposition

The Edo South Stakeholders Forum (ESSF) has raised concerns that Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the APC, risks losing 2.5 million votes from Edo State due to an alleged clandestine plot to impose Hon. Ogbeid Ihama as the senatorial candidate.

The group described this move as a potential trigger for massive protests that could cripple the APC's electoral fortunes in Edo South, which accounts for 65% of the state's votes. They warned that such political manipulation undermines democratic choice and could lead to significant backlash against the APC.

The ESSF urged Governor Mondai Okpebholo and APC leaders to resist external pressures and ensure a transparent primary election process. Prominent figures mentioned as potential contenders for the senatorial ticket include former governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu and former deputy governor Lucky Imasuen.

The group emphasized the need for the party to earn the trust of Edo voters ahead of the 2027 elections.