Intervene in Edo APC leadership crisis, diaspora group urges Tinubu

A support group within the All Progressives Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership to urgently intervene in what it described as a deepening leadership crisis in Edo State.

In an open letter dated April 21, 2026, and addressed to the President, the party’s National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees, the APC Diaspora Media Group, Edo State Chapter, expressed “profound concern for the unity, stability, and electoral future” of the party.

The group, which said it comprises over 1,800 members across several countries, warned that internal tensions in Edo could undermine the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections if not swiftly addressed.

At the centre of the dispute is the Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, whose recent comments have sparked backlash within party ranks.

According to the group, Tenebe, on April 18, publicly declared that “The party would not give a ticket to serial losers,” a remark it said was aimed at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former governorship candidate and key figure in the state chapter.

Describing the statement as “reckless and highly disrespectful,” the group said it amounted to “a personal attack and an affront to the collective values of respect, unity, and decorum that our party stands for.”

“We state categorically that Pastor Ize-Iyamu has not engaged in any conduct warranting such public ridicule and humiliation,” the letter partly read.

The group further alleged that the incident reflects a broader pattern of conduct by the state chairman. It cited previous remarks allegedly directed at senior party figures, including former National Chairman and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Minister Abubakar Momoh, which it described as “unguarded and disrespectful.”

It also raised concerns over what it termed “inflammatory statements,” including alleged threats against some youths and the designation of certain individuals as persona non grata—actions the group warned could heighten political tensions.

“Leadership demands restraint, wisdom, inclusiveness, and the ability to unify,” the group stated, adding that the Edo chapter under Tenebe has become “characterised by division, intimidation, and internal discord.”

Citing what it described as a “dangerous trajectory,” the group passed a vote of no confidence in the chairman and called for his immediate suspension pending investigation.

Among its grievances were the alleged imposition of candidates across the state’s 18 local government areas, failure to build consensus among stakeholders, and a leadership style it described as “draconian, exclusionary, and counterproductive.”

“The current trajectory threatens to erode the goodwill, trust, and cohesion required to secure victory in future elections,” the group warned, stressing that unity would be critical as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.

The signatories include General Coordinator, Taju Omoruyi; United Kingdom Director of Operations and Public Relations, Comrade Onaghise (J.P); Director of Administration, Finance and Logistics, Rita Egharevba; General Secretary, Alasa Braimoh; and Director of Media and Publicity, Eghosa Monday Ohuimumwen, among others.

They urged the APC national leadership to “act swiftly and decisively to restore sanity, unity, discipline, and strategic direction” in Edo.

When contacted, Tenebe dismissed the group as faceless, saying he did not refer to any particular person as a “serial loser” during his interview with TVC.

“I can only describe this group as faceless. I did not refer to anyone in my interview with TVC. Anyone who chooses to ascribe the label to himself or herself is at liberty to do so,” he said.