THUNDEROUS CONSENSUS IN IGUEBEN: APC LEADERS, STRUCTURES, AND GRASSROOTS UNITE IN HISTORIC ENDORSEMENT OF AYEMERE

THUNDEROUS CONSENSUS IN IGUEBEN: APC LEADERS, STRUCTURES, AND GRASSROOTS UNITE IN HISTORIC ENDORSEMENT OF AYEMERE

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Igueben, Edo State | May 1, 2026

In what can best be described as a defining political moment for Igueben Local Government Area, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held a landmark enlarged meeting at the LGA Secretariat—an assembly that not only showcased the party’s deep-rooted unity but also culminated in a sweeping, unanimous endorsement of Engr. Obehi Ayodeji Ayemere as the party’s consensus aspirant for the Edo State House of Assembly.

From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere around the Secretariat reflected heightened political anticipation, as party faithfuls, leaders, and stakeholders trooped in en masse in response to the strategic call. The turnout, despite the short notice, signaled an unmistakable readiness within the APC structure in Igueben to consolidate its ranks and speak with one voice.

The meeting recorded full attendance of the LGA Executive Council, led by the Chairman, Hon. Chris Eni; the Vice Chairman, Mr. Edo; Secretary Emmanuel Obakpoalor; and the Woman Leader, Mrs. Mary Ebhonu. In a strong show of organizational cohesion, all ward executives across the ten wards were fully represented, alongside the ten councillorship candidates and all serving councillors—an alignment that underscored the total integration of the party’s political machinery.

The gathering also attracted an impressive array of party stalwarts and influential stakeholders, including Chief Mrs. Alude Imotu, Chief Ekpen, Hon. Sunday Iredia, Omorojie Obazee, Hon. Sunday Maru, Barr. Uwagbale, Imaselobho, Sunday Uwadia, Peter Ogun, Hon. Eric Ohonsi, Mr. Obiyan, and Hon. Lucky Agazuma, Director General of the Edo State Migration Service. The presence of youth leaders, women groups, and grassroots mobilizers further gave depth and legitimacy to the proceedings, reflecting a truly inclusive political congregation.

A pivotal segment of the meeting was the formal unveiling and presentation of newly selected ward leaders from Wards 1 through 10. This exercise symbolized internal strengthening and strategic recalibration of the party’s grassroots command structure, positioning the APC for enhanced mobilization and electoral efficiency.

Speaking on behalf of the ward chairmen, the Ward 7 Chairman, Osagede Gabriel, delivered a firm and unequivocal position, aligning the entire ward leadership structure with the collective decision of the party to endorse Engr. Ayemere. His remarks set the tone for what would become a cascade of endorsements across all strata of the party.

The women’s wing of the party, known for its mobilization strength, spoke with remarkable clarity and unity. Mrs. Mary Igberase, speaking on behalf of the women, emphasized the supremacy of party decisions, declaring unwavering loyalty: “The party remains supreme, and wherever it leads, we will follow without hesitation.” Reinforcing this stance, the Ward 3 Women Leader announced that women across the ward had unanimously resolved to throw their full support behind Engr. Ayemere.

The youth bloc, often regarded as the energy base of political movements, was equally resolute. The Ward 2 Youth Leader, speaking on behalf of young people across the LGA, issued a categorical endorsement of Ayemere, highlighting the aspirant’s acceptability and credibility among the younger demographic.

Further consolidating the groundswell of support, Akhatuomen Odion, Ward 4 Secretary, conveyed the collective endorsement of ward secretaries, while Idemudia Izevbigie spoke on behalf of the councillorship candidates, affirming their total alignment with the party’s decision.

Providing institutional authority to the unfolding consensus, the Executive Chairman of Igueben LGA, Hon. Henshaw Elimihe, reaffirmed the supremacy of the party, declaring that the APC structure at the local government level had officially endorsed Engr. Ayemere and remains fully committed to that position.

Adding further weight, Hon. Godwin Omende, Ward 3 Leader, described the gathering as historic, emphasizing that the unity displayed marked a turning point for the APC in Igueben. In the same vein, Mrs. Tessy Imodu articulated the prevailing sentiment succinctly: “Igueben is one. Today, we are speaking with one voice.”

In his keynote remarks, LGA Chairman Hon. Chris Eni expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming turnout and discipline exhibited by party members. He noted that all critical stakeholders—including commissioners and senior leaders—were fully informed and in alignment with the meeting. Demonstrating statesmanship, he also commended other aspirants and acknowledged the contributions of the incumbent House of Assembly member, reinforcing the party’s culture of respect and continuity.

Crucially, the LGA Chairman formally echoed the unanimous endorsement of Engr. Ayemere, lending official weight to the collective decision of the party. He called on all members—across wards, groups, and interest blocs—to sustain the current momentum through continued support, cohesion, and unwavering unity, stressing that only a united APC can secure decisive victory in the forthcoming elections.

The high point of the event was the response from Engr. Obehi Ayodeji Ayemere, who was visibly moved by the magnitude of support. In an emotionally resonant address, he expressed profound gratitude to the party leadership, executives, and grassroots supporters.

“This endorsement is deeply humbling. I do not take this confidence for granted,” he stated. “I call on all my fellow aspirants and party members—this is the time for unity. Together, we will secure victory, not just for ourselves, but for the future of Igueben.”

Ayemere went further to outline his leadership philosophy, pledging an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered representation. He assured constituents that his tenure, if elected, would reflect equity, accessibility, and impactful governance, while also committing to uphold and build upon his family’s legacy of service.

In a climactic moment that underscored the political significance of the gathering, Engr. Ayemere was formally presented to the apex leader of the APC in Igueben LGA, Rt. Hon. Ephraim Aluobhosele. Presenting the aspirant, Hon. Chris Eni conveyed the unanimous decision of the party executives, formally introducing Ayemere as the consensus choice of the APC structure.

Responding with measured authority, Rt. Hon. Aluobhosele commended the party for its discipline, organization, and unity. He emphasized the primacy of party decisions in guiding leadership actions.

“I am a leader, but the party is supreme. If the party structures have spoken, I have no option but to align with that decision,” he declared, formally endorsing Engr. Ayemere.

He further admonished party members to remain steadfast, warning against distractions and external influences, while stressing the importance of unity as the foundation for electoral success.

The event concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, characterized by chants, solidarity, and renewed determination. Engr. Ayemere capped the moment by publicly displaying his nomination forms, symbolizing readiness and compliance with party processes.

Beyond the optics, the meeting has effectively repositioned the APC in Igueben as a cohesive and formidable political force. The scale of consensus achieved—cutting across leadership, women, youth, and grassroots structures—sends a strong signal of strategic readiness ahead of the Edo State House of Assembly elections.

With unity consolidated, leadership aligned, and momentum sustained, the APC in Igueben appears poised not just for participation, but for a commanding electoral victory.