As the All Progressive Congress (APC) prepares to assume leadership in Edo State, the internal struggle for control over key government positions has begun in earnest, marking a critical juncture for the state’s political landscape. Despite the controversies surrounding the bid to win the governorship, internal divisions reveal a disjointed approach to governance, raising questions about the state’s future direction under the APC.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the election was mired in controversy. Both local and international observers reported widespread irregularities, ranging from vote tampering to data falsifications. In response, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, have taken the matter to the election tribunal in Benin City, contesting the legitimacy of the results.
Dr. Ighodalo, widely perceived as the true victor by a significant portion of Edo State’s electorate, has expressed unwavering faith in Nigeria’s judiciary. In a recent interview, he conveyed confidence that “the stolen mandate” would be restored, emphasizing the integrity of judicial officials overseeing the case. His optimism has given the opposition renewed hope as the legal battle unfolds.
Meanwhile, the APC’s internal discord is becoming increasingly apparent. A party that should be entering office unified and poised for a smooth transition is instead embroiled in a fierce contest over who controls the spoils of victory. At the heart of this turmoil is who will nominate candidates for the state’s key offices, positions critical to shaping the next administration.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North and seen by many as the party’s de facto leader, has emerged as a central figure in this struggle. Oshiomhole, who once served as the state’s governor and as national chairman of the APC, has reportedly put forward his list of appointees for significant government roles, bypassing the input of other party leaders. His actions have sparked dissent within the party, with accusations of overreach and domination.
Sources indicate that Oshiomhole’s nominations are not limited to his senatorial district but extend to Edo Central and Edo South, suggesting an attempt to centralize power and influence across the entire state. This move has provoked backlash from key figures within the party, who feel sidelined in the decision-making process, notably Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent APC leader from Edo South.
Ize-Iyamu, whose withdrawal from the governorship race was seen as pivotal in securing Okpebholo’s candidacy, is reportedly angered by Oshiomhole’s unilateral approach. He has vowed to resist what he perceives as the former labour leader’s attempt to monopolize the power-brokering process, setting the stage for a showdown between the two political heavyweights.
At stake in this intra-party conflict is the distribution of Edo State’s commonwealth. The public, who should be the ultimate beneficiaries of the new government, appears to be an afterthought in this power struggle. As political elites jostle for influence, the people’s needs and aspirations are being pushed to the margins, raising concerns about the direction the incoming administration will take.
Among the key appointments being contested are those of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor, positions typically within the purview of the governor-elect. However, Okpebholo has remained largely silent on the issue, keeping his decisions close to his chest despite the mounting pressure from party leaders.
Political observers are left pondering the question: Who will emerge as the true power behind the governor? Will it be Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu, or another political figure such as General Cecil Esekhaigbe? Or will Okpebholo break free from the influence of party godfathers and assert his independence in key appointments?
There is also speculation surrounding the role of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is rumoured to have advised Okpebholo to distance himself from Oshiomhole and other party leaders. Such a move could signal a shift in power dynamics within the APC, but whether the governor-elect will heed this advice remains to be seen.
The stakes are high. With the governorship still subject to legal challenges, Okpebholo may need the support of these same political figures to navigate the uncertain terrain ahead. The election tribunal’s ruling, expected in the coming months, could dramatically alter the state’s political landscape, making alliances and patronage all the more critical.
In the meantime, the people of Edo State are left watching from the sidelines as their political leaders engage in what appears to be a self-serving scramble for power. Many fear their interests will be sacrificed in the pursuit of personal gain unless the incoming government can shift its focus back to the public good.
The unfolding drama within the APC serves as a stark reminder that governance should not involve partitioning the state’s resources for the benefit of a few. Edo State deserves leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above the internal machinations of party politics.
As the inauguration draws near, one can only hope that the people’s voice will rise above the din of political manoeuvring and that the new government will remember its mandate to serve all Edo citizens. The question remains: Will the scramble for power overshadow the promises of governance, or will the new administration deliver the change it pledged to the people?
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, a Socio-Political activist, public affairs commentator and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News, writes from London, United Kindom. info@truthlivenews.com
