*Woos Aggrieved Aspirants
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commenced a political reconciliation process aimed at mending divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the outcome of the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
The move is widely seen as part of efforts to unite the party ahead of the 2027 general elections and deliver on the ambitious vote target pledged to President Bola Tinubu.
Sources within the party disclosed that the reconciliation strategy includes the offer of political appointments to some aggrieved aspirants who lost out in the primaries.
One of the beneficiaries is Dr. Washington Osifo, who was recently nominated as Commissioner-designate. Osifo had resigned as Commissioner for Water Resources to contest for the APC ticket for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat but later stepped down for the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Billy Osawaru.
The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed the nomination in a statement, noting that Osifo’s name had been forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
In a further bid to douse tensions generated by the primaries, Governor Okpebholo last week convened a meeting involving both victorious and unsuccessful aspirants.
Sources at the meeting said the governor appealed to party members to put aside grievances arising from the primaries and close ranks in the interest of the APC.
He reportedly urged all aspirants to accept the outcome of the exercise and work collectively towards strengthening the party’s structures across the state.
The governor also stressed the need for unity as the party pursues its target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the next general election.
Speaking at the meeting, Edo APC chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, charged candidates who emerged from the primaries to see their victories as an opportunity to serve the people rather than a personal achievement.
However, indications of lingering discontent within the party emerged as some prominent aspirants were absent from the reconciliation meeting.
Among those said to have stayed away were Senator Neda Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Hon. Marcus Onobun, fuelling speculations that efforts to fully unite the party may still face significant hurdles.
Political observers believe the success of Governor Okpebholo’s reconciliation drive will play a crucial role in determining the APC’s cohesion and electoral strength ahead of the 2027 polls.
