Edo 2024: Crises in APC Deepen
By Omoregie Ogbebor
The All Progressive Congress, APC, in Edo State that is synonymous with unending deep-seated crises over power tussle is at it yet again. I can assure you the last has not been seen or heard of the party with several godfathers that have factionalized the party into small fiefdoms.
In a dramatic turn of events, the long-awaited APC campaign council list has finally been released, but not without igniting a firestorm of controversy and discord within the party.
The major problem in APC, as it has led to its polarisation, is caused by the unremitting bitter rivalry between Pastor Ize-Iyamu, POI, and Senator Oshiomole. In this contest for power, the acting state chairman, Jaret Tenebe is fully in support of POI, and that was why they were able to arm-twist the ticket away from Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who was originally declared winner, and Oshiomole’s prefered candidate.
An inside source, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the delay in publishing the list stemmed from intense infighting among the party leaders over who would compile the list and whose interests would be prioritized.
The compilation of the campaign council list has exacerbated the ongoing crisis between Comrade Adams Oshiomole and his erstwhile political protégé, the self-styled EMPEROR Jarret Tenebe, who has now turned rebellious.
On the morning of Wednesday, June 5th, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, in a unilateral move, released the campaign council list from Abuja without informing the EMPEROR. This unilateral action enraged the EMPEROR, who promptly directed the Secretariat to release his own competing list.
As a result, there are now two conflicting APC campaign council lists in circulation, reflecting the deep-seated divisions and chaotic state of affairs within the party despite pretensions to the contrary in public.
This internal strife raises a critical question: how can a party that cannot even organize its own ranks be trusted to govern a state like Edo State without plunging the state into anarchy and chaos?
The ongoing turmoil within the APC casts serious doubts on their ability to lead effectively and underscores why they should not be entrusted with the reins of power in Edo State.
Recall that party’s primary was marred with conspicuous irregularities where the first one conducted was won by Hon. Dennis Idahosa, while the second one was won by Senator Monday Okpebholo.
