The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Esan North East local government area of Edo State has voiced its deep discontent regarding the formation of the 24-member transition committee established by the recently elected governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. This dissatisfaction was made public during a press briefing held on Sunday, where the local party chairman, Emmanuel Ibhagbemien, passionately articulated the party’s grievances, focusing on the inclusion of individuals he claims are not legitimate members of the APC.
At the forefront of Ibhagbemien’s concerns was the presence of a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Matthew Egbadon, in the transition committee. Ibhagbemien accused Egbadon of working against the APC during the recent governorship election held on September 21, alleging that his political affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disqualifies him from holding a position within a committee intended to facilitate the APC’s governance. This accusation not only reflects internal party discord but also highlights the precarious nature of political alliances in Edo State.
Ibhagbemien did not mince words as he expressed his frustration, stating, “This inclusion is not only unusual but is a blatant affront to the integrity of our party.” He further explained that the decision to include Egbadon was likely a strategic maneuver orchestrated by external forces attempting to infiltrate the APC and position individuals sympathetic to the PDP within the framework of the incoming administration. His claims point to a broader issue of trust and loyalty within the party, raising questions about the motivations behind such appointments.
In a strong warning, Ibhagbemien declared, “Let us be unequivocal: we will not tolerate intruders or opportunists attempting to hijack the internal workings of our party.” He emphasized that individuals who have not contributed to the APC’s success should not be allowed to benefit from the party’s accomplishments. The chairman’s comments reflect a defensive posture aimed at safeguarding the party’s integrity and ensuring that its core values are upheld.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding Egbadon’s inclusion, Ibhagbemien asserted that the committee’s composition appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the APC’s authority. He claimed to have identified the individuals behind what he referred to as “this underhanded maneuver,” naming a prominent business mogul from Ewatto and a traditional ruler from Esan land as key figures in this effort. He suggested that their involvement was driven by selfish motives and urged them to cease their interference in the party’s affairs.
“We strongly condemn these actions and view them as an affront to the values of our party,” he stated emphatically, signaling that the APC is prepared to take a stand against any efforts to compromise its internal dynamics. Ibhagbemien called for a unified response from party members, asserting that the APC should maintain a firm stance against any external influences that threaten its cohesion and objectives.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of allowing the governor-elect to govern without undue interference from external parties, stressing the necessity of maintaining a clear boundary between party politics and governance. “We advise these individuals to allow the Governor-elect to govern without undue interference and to let our party form a government without external meddling,” Ibhagbemien urged.
In his closing remarks, the chairman reiterated the APC’s commitment to defending its integrity and core values, reinforcing the notion that the party would not shy away from taking necessary actions to protect its mandate. “We stand ready to take whatever action is necessary to protect our mandate. On this, we are unanimous and resolute,” he concluded, highlighting the unity of purpose among APC members in their resolve to safeguard the party’s interests in the face of perceived threats.
This unfolding situation not only reflects the internal dynamics of the APC in Edo State but also serves as a reminder of the challenges political parties often face in maintaining cohesion and loyalty among their members, particularly in a rapidly changing political landscape. The coming weeks may reveal how the party navigates these internal tensions while striving to fulfill its governance promises under the leadership of Governor-elect Okpebholo.
