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

A storm is brewing in Edo State politics, with serious allegations leveled against Governor Monday Okpebholo by the Edo APC Media Diaspora Group. The group claims the governor is leveraging his position to coerce appointees into supporting candidates favored by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This alleged directive, which reportedly includes threats of removal from office, has sent ripples of discontent through the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“

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 accusations paint a picture of a governor allegedly prioritizing alliances with forces perceived as external to the core APC ideology, particularly those linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Legacy Group. The Edo APC Media Diaspora Group views this as a profound betrayal of party loyalists who worked tirelessly for the governor's victory. Their statement highlights a concern that the party's structure in Edo South is being compromised, potentially handing over influence to individuals allegedly aligned with Wike's political interests.

Central to these claims is the alleged imposition of Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, described as Wike’s preferred candidate, for the Edo South senatorial seat. The group suggests a political arrangement where Wike's influence dictates key nominations, creating an imbalance within the APC. Furthermore, they allege that Governor Okpebholo is actively rebuilding PDP structures within Edo South, sidelining long-standing APC members in favor of PDP defectors. This narrative suggests a complex web of political maneuvering that could destabilize the party's foundation in the state.

“

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 Edo APC Media Diaspora Group is calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and other APC stakeholders. They are determined to resist any attempts to manipulate the primary election process and are advocating for fairness and adherence to democratic principles within the party. The situation underscores the intricate power dynamics and internal party struggles that often characterize Nigerian politics, where loyalty and political expediency are constantly being tested.

“

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.