Benin City — The Edo Progressive for Good Governance has faulted a recent comment by the Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, that the party would not give tickets to “serial losers.”
In a statement on Saturday signed by Hon. Elder George Edosawman and Hon. Wellington Aghedo, the group said the remark was divisive and ignored political precedent in Nigeria and abroad.
“Our attention has been drawn to the live TVC News interview of April 18, 2026, where Chairman Tenebe said the party will prioritize aspirants who have previously won elections. We respectfully disagree,” the statement read.
The group cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 campaign remark that “defeat today does not disqualify service tomorrow,” and noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari contested three times before winning in 2015.
On Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the group said labeling him a “serial loser” ignored his record. It stated that Ize-Iyamu polled 253,173 votes as PDP candidate in 2016, winning five LGAs, and 223,619 votes as APC candidate in 2020 across 18 LGAs.
“Between 2016 and 2024, Ize-Iyamu remained in Edo, funding party offices, leading reconciliation, and backing candidates for Assembly, Reps, and Senate seats. Many of today’s APC office holders benefited from his structure,” the statement added.
The group said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s target of 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu required “inclusion, not exclusion,” arguing that the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), Art. 20, does not bar members from contesting because of past losses.
“Pastor Ize-Iyamu remains focused and undeterred. Edo APC needs builders with statewide appeal, not soundbites that divide the house,” the statement concluded, urging Tenebe to retract the comment and allow delegates to decide.
Discover more from Urbanscoopnews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
