APC Edo State assures party members of free, fair, and transparent primaries for the 2026 local government elections, dismissing claims of automatic tickets
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has reassured party members and the general public that the party is fully committed to conducting transparent, credible, and competitive primaries to select candidates for the 2026 local government elections, scheduled for November.
This clarification comes following recent reports suggesting that certain aspirants had been granted automatic tickets for the 2026 elections after visiting the state chairman.
The aspirants, who had previously contested in the 2023 elections, reportedly sought automatic endorsements, arguing that their past efforts and loyalty to the APC merited direct nomination.
Emperor Tenebe, however, dismissed these claims as unfounded. He emphasized that no ticket has been pre-allocated or ceded to any aspirant.
He acknowledged, though, that the APC has a long-standing culture of recognizing and rewarding members who have demonstrated loyalty and contributed significantly to the party’s growth, particularly when the party was in opposition.
“For clarification sake, no ticket has been ceded to anyone,” Tenebe stated.
“However, the party values the dedication of members who stood firm with APC during challenging times and ensured that the party remained relevant in the political landscape. Their contributions will be duly recognized in line with party policies.”
The chairman also addressed the party’s constitutional and procedural guidelines regarding primaries.
He clarified that the State Working Committee (SWC) holds the sole responsibility for screening aspiring candidates and organizing primaries in accordance with the party’s constitution and the electoral guidelines.
He stressed that party leaders do not have the authority to unilaterally allocate tickets or interfere with the primary process.
“It is the responsibility of the State Working Committee, not individual leaders, to screen intending aspirants and conduct primaries in line with the Electoral Guidelines.
“This ensures a fair, competitive, and transparent process for all participants,” he said.
In addition, Tenebe warned party members to disregard false information circulating within and outside the party.
He cited the example of an individual named Abdullahi Abubakar, who had attempted to mislead members with baseless claims. Investigations by the party revealed that Abubakar is a “ghost member” with no legitimate registration or affiliation with the APC.
Members were therefore urged to discountenance such falsehoods and rely only on verified communications from the party.
By making this statement, Emperor Tenebe reaffirmed APC Edo State’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and fairness, signaling that the 2026 local government election primaries will provide a level playing field for all qualified aspirants.
He further encouraged interested party members to participate actively, abide by party rules, and engage constructively in the process, ensuring that the APC continues to uphold its reputation as a party of integrity and democratic values.