By Rasheed Lateef
Fresh political tension is brewing within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s National Assembly primaries following disagreement among stakeholders over the selection of consensus candidates.
The growing friction appears most visible in Edo South senatorial district, where consultations and lobbying by aspirants have intensified amid allegations of political interference and candidate preference by influential figures within the party.
Party insiders say the disagreement has created competing interests among long-standing APC members, recent defectors and members associated with the PDP legacy bloc linked to Chief Dan Orbih.
Although the APC leadership in Edo State has not officially announced endorsed candidates for the primaries, political activities across the state have triggered speculations over alleged preferred aspirants for Senate and House of Representatives positions.
The controversy gained further attention after Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, reportedly stated that the party would not reward “serial election losers” with tickets, a remark interpreted in some political circles as a reference to former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Reacting to the development, Ize-Iyamu called on the party leadership to guarantee transparency and fairness during the primary process.
“If primaries are to be conducted, they must be transparent and fair. The imposition of candidates, whether direct or subtle, undermines party unity and erodes public trust,” he said.
He added, “We are confident that the leadership of our great party will do what is right. Let party members decide freely, without fear, coercion or intimidation.”
The former governorship candidate also dismissed rumours of a possible defection from the APC.
Meanwhile, Senator Neda Imasuen has continued consultations with party leaders across Edo South, canvassing support for his return to the Senate on the grounds of legislative experience and ranking advantage.
Former House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has also intensified consultations within the district as political activities ahead of the primaries gather momentum.
Amid the controversy, Governor Monday Okpebholo denied allegations that he was attempting to impose candidates on the party.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the governor said aspirants remained free to contest and pursue their ambitions within the APC.
“Everyone is free to exercise their right to free choice,” Afegbua said while reacting to allegations surrounding the primaries.
