Guber Primaries: Tension Escalates in Edo APC Amidst Allegations of Imposition of Candidate by Oshiomhole

In what appears to be a brewing storm within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), palpable tension has arisen over the alleged endorsement and intended imposition of a favored aspirant for the upcoming gubernatorial election by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Reports indicate that the murmurs of discontent, which began as mere speculation a few weeks ago, have now gained significant momentum throughout the state. Sources reveal that Senator Oshiomhole recently convened a meeting with his former Commissioners, Mr. Kassim Afegbua and Mr. Mika Amanokha, alongside Mr. Dennis Idahosa. During this meeting, it is purported that Oshiomhole encouraged the former Commissioners to disseminate the endorsement message to party chairmen across all 18 local government areas.

A confidential disclosure from a local chairman in Edo North, who opted for anonymity, affirmed that he had received instructions to convene a leaders’ meeting to convey the message that President Bola Tinubu, Vice Chairman Kashim Shettima, and the national party chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, had collectively endorsed Dennis Idahosa for the gubernatorial ticket.

Contrarily, several other aspirants, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Charles Airhiavbere, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Blessing Agbonmere, and Mr. David Imuse, have vehemently declared their determination to resist any attempts at imposing a candidate on the party.

The situation, if left unaddressed, could potentially escalate into a full-blown crisis, leaving the APC divided as it approaches the 21st September gubernatorial election, mirroring the internal challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.