2027: Edo APC splits over Okpebholo–Wike political alliance claims

Fresh political tension has gripped Edo State following allegations by the Edo APC Media Diaspora Group that Governor Monday Okpebholo has threatened his Edo South appointees with removal from office if they fail to deliver candidates allegedly endorsed by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the forthcoming APC primaries.

The group, in a statement on Sunday, signed by the General Coordinator, Taju Omoruyi, General Secretary, Dr Alasa Braimoh and four other officials, accused the governor of using government appointments as political weapons to force support for aspirants linked to the Peoples Democratic Party Legacy Group and backed by Wike.

According to the group, Okpebholo reportedly instructed all his Edo South appointees to ensure the emergence of the PDP Legacy Group aspirants in the primaries, warning that failure to comply would come with serious political consequences, including loss of appointments.

It described the development as a betrayal of loyal APC members and a dangerous attempt to hand over the party’s structure in Edo South to forces allegedly loyal to Wike.

They recalled previous allegations during the last election that the PDP Legacy Group had entered into signed agreements with Okpebholo to control about 30 per cent of his political structure.

According to them, the Edo South senatorial seat was allegedly chosen as part of the compensation arrangement, with the governor reportedly promising Wike the ticket despite the political imbalance and concerns from party stakeholders.

They specifically pointed to Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, described as Wike’s preferred candidate, alleging that his candidacy was being forcefully imposed on Edo South through the governor’s influence.

The group further accused Okpebholo of rebuilding PDP structures within Edo South while sidelining core APC loyalists, citing the steady appointment of PDP defectors into government positions while long-standing party faithful are ignored.

“There are allegations that the governor threatened his Edo South appointees with removal from office if they fail to deliver candidates allegedly endorsed by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the forthcoming APC primary elections.

“These actions have created serious tension in the state for reasons best known to the governor. His loyalty appears to be shifting away from APC members who fought for his victory,” the statement said.

The group warned that any attempt to manipulate the primary election process would be strongly resisted.

They called on APC stakeholders, party leaders, and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure fairness in the party’s internal democratic process.

Reacting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said the governor has the right to endorse any aspirant if he feels it will represent the overall interest of the people.

He, however, said that the government was not in the habit of imposing anyone on the people, noting that Okpebholo’s style of politics is that of inclusivity and not exclusion.

He said, “The governor has a right to endorse any aspirant that he feels will represent the overall interest of the people. But he’s not in the habit of imposing anyone on the people.

“His style of politics is that of inclusivity and not exclusion. He does not insist that his will must be done; instead, he deploys constructive engagement and collective bargaining in making his political decisions. Moral suasion is also part of his style.

“Disregard any attempt by anyone to blackmail him. We will not bow to blackmail. Everyone is free to exercise their right to free choice.”