Leaders and Chairmanship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Axis Two of Owan East Local Government Area on Wednesday have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the party leadership to uphold equity, fairness, and rotation in the selection of the next local government chairman.
Speaking during a press conference held in Owan East on Wednesday, in Benin City , Edo State, the group, under the banner of Forum of Axis Two APC Chairmanship Aspirants and Leaders, expressed deep concerns over what they described as longstanding political marginalization of Axis Two communities.
Reading the press statement, Bar Olatunde James Otoikhila alongside other key party figures and aspirants, cited the long established rotational agreement between Axis One and Axis Two of Owan East, covering 11 wards in total.
They said the rotational structure was designed to alternate key political offices between the two blocs.
According to the group, this arrangement has been flagrantly disregarded in recent years, with Axis One producing eight Chairmen since 1999 compare to only three from Axis two. They also decried the domination of Axis One in major political appointments both at the state and federal levels.
“Since 2018, the Chairmanship seat has remained in Ihievbe community of Axis One for three consecutive terms, with the possibility of a fourth. This would mean one community controls the Chairmanship for 12 uninterrupted years,” Otoikhila stated
The leaders argued that such imbalance threatens party unity and grassroots loyalty, especially since Axis Two reportedly contributes the bulk of APC votes in the local government.
They also warned that continuing this pattern would weaken APC’s grassroots base, breed political apathy, and potentially affect the party’s performance in future elections.
“We are not here to beg,” the leaders said. “We are here to demand what is just, fair, and long agreed upon.”
“Loyalty must not be mistaken for weakness. Axis Two says: Enough is enough. Equity must prevail,” they declared.
Leaders and aspirants in attendance includes, Hon Justin Besta Ozeoya, Pastor Philip O. Imoukhuede, Dr Gavin S. Daudu, Dr Godwin Aidenagbo and Dr Dennis Oyakhire.
