By Omoregie Ogbebor in Benin
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 that the last has not been seen or heard of the party, which has several godfathers who have factionalized it into small fiefdoms.
In a dramatic turn of events, the long-awaited APC campaign council list was finally 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 the winner and Oshiomole’s preferred 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 Wednesday, June 5th, Comrade Adams Oshiomole unilaterally released the campaign council list from Abuja without informing the EMPEROR. This action enraged the EMPEROR, who promptly directed the Secretariat to release his own competing list.
As a result, two conflicting APC campaign council lists are now 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 ranks be trusted to govern a state like Edo State without plunging it 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 the party’s primary was marred with conspicuous irregularities. The first one conducted was won by Hon. Dennis Idahosa, while the second one was won by Senator Monday Okpebholo.