Dennis Idahosa, the aspirant who won the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, was previously accused of committing fraud on an international level.
Recall that despite two individuals claiming victory in the primary election, the party’s national leadership has recognized Idahosa as the winner, with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, the chairman of the election committee, announcing his emergence.
Uzodinma revealed that Idahosa received 40,453 votes in the direct primary election, surpassing 11 other contenders. However, the returning officer for the election, Stanley Ugboaje, argued that Monday Okpebholo was the actual winner, having obtained 12,145 votes compared to Idahosa’s 5,536.
Idahosa previously served as a commissioner for investment and public/private partnerships in Adams Oshiomole’s government until he defected from the ruling APC. He justified his decision by expressing his disapproval of Oshiomole’s treatment of then President Goodluck Jonathan.
The state government, however, disputed this claim, stating that there were numerous petitions from individuals who had allegedly been swindled by Idahosa.
An administrative panel was reportedly established to investigate these allegations.
In the wake of this alleagtion, former commissioner for information and orientation, Louis Odion has urged Idahosa to come out publicly to either accept or deny these heavy allegations for decency sake.
“After weeks of forensic investigations, the panel’s findings were startling. Last week, Mr. Idahosa became aware that the administrative panel was on the verge of formally requesting him to answer those weighty charges.
“However, in the name of decency, justice, and the international image of our country, we can only encourage Mr. Idahosa to come out in the open and answer the sundry allegations of 419 levelled against him. Otherwise, the long arms of the law, though may be delayed by his new powerful friends, will ultimately prevail.”
Consequently, a petition titled ‘Petition Against Hon. Dennis Idahosa Regarding Accusations of Involvement in International Fraud Made by the Edo State Government’ was submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 9.
The petition, signed by Momoh Prince and Igewe Ude-Umamta, who are the convener and director of strategy, research, and documentation of a group called the Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative, alleged that Idahosa had been accused of engaging in financial scams, although the exact amount was not specified.
The petition called on the EFCC to investigate the allegations made by the Oshiomole government against Idahosa, who currently serves as the member representing the Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
