By Ismaeel Aleem
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Weppa Wanno, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently address a leadership crisis threatening party unity.
The call follows ongoing internal disputes within the Edo APC, marked by allegations of imposition, factional rivalries, and leadership tussles, which have led to suspensions and heightened tensions ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued after a stakeholders’ meeting on yesterday, the leaders expressed concern that the unresolved crisis could weaken the APC’s grassroots structure and undermine its electoral prospects.
They highlighted a contentious attempt to install a councillor/local government chairman, allegedly loyal to acting state chairman Jarret Tenebe, who reportedly lost his polling unit in the recent governorship election.
The stakeholders accused certain individuals of using the governor’s name to justify “unconstitutional actions” and fueling division.
The crisis centers on a questionable process described as “Nollywood-style,” where a councillor who recently defected to the APC was allegedly forced to resign, followed by a hurried, unlawful primary.
The stakeholders clarified that the law requires the House of Assembly, currently on recess, to be notified of a councillor’s resignation, with a by-election conducted within 90 days.
They warned that bypassing this process is illegal and undermines party leadership.
The stakeholders emphasized that such practices could erode trust, discourage loyal members, and destabilize grassroots politics in Etsako East.
They urged Okpebholo to deploy his political wisdom to reconcile factions, end imposition, and restore fairness.
“Our mission is to build a stronger APC and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but this requires resolving internal crises,” they stated, reaffirming their loyalty to the governor and party leadership.
The Etsako East crisis reflects broader challenges within the Edo APC, where rival factions have struggled for dominance since the party’s 2020 governorship loss.
