• Fresh political tension has erupted in Edo APC over allegations of a covert alliance between Governor Monday Okpebholo and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2027 primaries
• The Edo APC Media Diaspora Group accused Okpebholo of threatening Edo South appointees with removal if they fail to support aspirants allegedly endorsed by Wike
• The group described the alleged move as a betrayal of APC loyalists and a dangerous transfer of party influence to politicians loyal to Wike

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following allegations that Governor Monday Okpebholo is using state appointments to pressure party loyalists into backing aspirants allegedly linked to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 APC primaries.

The allegations were made by the Edo APC Media Diaspora Group, which accused the governor of threatening appointees from Edo South with dismissal if they fail to support candidates allegedly favoured by Wike in the coming primaries.

In a statement signed by the group’s General Coordinator, Taju Omoruyi, General Secretary, Dr Alasa Braimoh, and four others, the group claimed government appointments were being deployed as political tools to shape the outcome of the APC’s internal contest.

According to the group, the governor allegedly directed his Edo South appointees to mobilise support for aspirants associated with the Peoples Democratic Party Legacy Group, warning that failure to do so could cost them their positions in government.

The group described the move as a betrayal of loyal APC members and alleged that it was part of a broader attempt to hand over the party’s structure in Edo South to forces loyal to Wike.

The group also revived earlier claims that elements of the PDP Legacy Group had entered a political arrangement with Okpebholo during the last election cycle, allegedly securing influence over a portion of his political structure.

It claimed the Edo South senatorial ticket had been earmarked as part of that arrangement, with Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama named as the preferred beneficiary of the alleged alliance.

They further accused the governor of quietly rebuilding PDP structures in Edo South under the APC’s umbrella by appointing defectors from the opposition while sidelining long-standing party loyalists who worked for the party’s victory.

“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,” the group said.

It added, “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.”

Warning against any manipulation of the primary process, the group said party members would resist any attempt to impose candidates on the APC in Edo.

It also called on party leaders, stakeholders, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and protect the integrity of the APC’s internal democratic process in the state.

Responding to the allegations, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, defended the governor’s political discretion, insisting that Okpebholo has the constitutional and political right to support any aspirant he believes best represents the interests of the people.

Afegbua, however, rejected claims that the governor was imposing candidates on the party, maintaining that Okpebholo’s leadership style is rooted in consensus-building rather than coercion.

“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,” Afegbua said.

“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.”

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

The accusations and rebuttal have further exposed growing unease within Edo APC as the contest for 2027 tickets begins to intensify, with internal rivalries, competing loyalties, and fears of external influence threatening to widen divisions within the ruling party.

Ighodalo sues Edo APC Chairman for defamation, demands N500 million

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dr Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last Edo State governorship election, filed a N500 million defamation lawsuit against the acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe.

Ighodalo was seeking a retraction of Tenebe’s alleged defamatory statements, a formal apology, and damages amounting to N500 million.

The dispute stemmed from a viral video dated December 10, 2024, in which Tenebe accused Ighodalo of corruption and misappropriation of state funds.