Fresh cracks may be emerging within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State following strong resistance from a political pressure bloc over what it described as a clandestine plot to hand over the Edo South Senatorial ticket to a former Oredo Federal Constituency lawmaker.
The group, APC Formidables (AF), in a statement issued Friday, warned that any attempt to impose a candidate on the party faithful in Edo South could spark a backlash capable of destabilising the party’s growing political momentum in the state.
The statement, jointly signed by the group’s Coordinator, Pastor Iguodalo Imafidon, and Secretary, Pius Imuetinyan, accused unnamed power brokers of pushing a “dangerous political experiment” that could fracture party unity in the senatorial district which controls the highest voting strength in the state.
Alarm Over Alleged Political Deal, the group said it was compelled to break its silence following mounting speculation within political circles that a back-channel arrangement may already be in motion to position the Ex- house of rep members as the party’s preferred candidate.
AF alleged that the rumoured arrangement is reportedly linked to political interests outside Edo State, particularly those associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a development the group described as “deeply troubling.”
According to the group, the suggestion that an external political actor could influence the choice of candidate in Edo South represents an unacceptable intrusion into the internal political dynamics of the district.
“Edo South is not a political colony to be allocated through midnight negotiations. It is both insulting and provocative for anyone outside the state to believe they can determine who flies the party’s flag in a district with such a strong political consciousness.”
The group further questioned what stake Wike could possibly have in the political calculations of Edo South.
“Would such interference be tolerated in Edo North or Edo Central? The people of Edo South will not sit back and watch their political destiny negotiated behind closed doors,” AF warned.
Beyond the alleged external influence, the group said imposing a candidate through elite arrangements would undermine the APC’s internal reward system and alienate loyal party members who have sustained the party’s grassroots structures over the years.
According to AF, the APC risks sending a dangerous signal if loyalty, sacrifice and long-standing commitment to the party are suddenly subordinated to what it called “political convenience.”
They argued that Edo South, which remains the electoral backbone of the party in the state, could witness internal discontent if the ticket is decided outside transparent and democratic processes.
The group maintained that despite occupying the Oredo Federal Constituency seat, he left behind what it described as little or no legacy projects capable of justifying another elevation in political office.
“Beyond media visibility and political theatrics, the people of Oredo cannot point to transformative projects or enduring legislative accomplishments from his time in office,” the group stated.
They challenged supporters of the former lawmaker to publicly identify any landmark project executed during his tenure.
“Those years were largely characterised by noise and showmanship rather than measurable development,” the statement added.
APC Formidables also directed a pointed appeal to the leader of the party in the state and Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urging him not to succumb to what they described as “midnight political pressures.”
According to the group, allowing any form of imposition would send the wrong signal to party loyalists and could trigger avoidable divisions within the APC at a time when unity remains critical.
They warned that introducing what they termed a “stranger” into the delicate political balance of Edo South could ignite resentment among grassroots stakeholders who have invested heavily in the party’s success.
AF noted that several respected figures within the party with stronger grassroots appeal are already being mentioned as possible contenders for the Edo South senatorial seat.
Among those said to be warming up were Hon. Paddy Iyamu, Senator Neda Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Hon. Valentine Asuen, and former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen.
The group said these gladiators posses political structures, long-standing party loyalty and deeper grassroots engagement across the senatorial district.
They furthered warned that Edo South voters are politically sophisticated and will resist any attempt to foist a candidate on them through elite consensus rather than transparent party processes.
“Edo South cannot be decided in the dark.The party must listen to the grassroots and reward those who have laboured for its growth.”
