All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State is facing fresh tension as a political pressure group has raised alarms over a covert attempt to award the Edo South Senatorial ticket to a former Oredo Federal Constituency lawmaker.
The group, APC Formidables (AF), warned that any attempt to impose a candidate on party members in the district could ignite internal resistance and weaken the party’s political structure in the state.
Edo South remains the most politically influential senatorial district in Edo State due to its large voting population, making the contest for the Edo South Senatorial Ticket highly sensitive within party circles.
In a statement released on Friday, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of political manoeuvring behind the scenes.
The statement was jointly signed by the coordinator of the group, Iguodalo Imafidon, and its secretary, Pius Imuetinyan.
According to the group, recent developments within the party suggest that certain influential figures may already be working quietly to position a former Oredo Federal Constituency lawmaker as the preferred candidate for the Edo South Senatorial Ticket.
The group explained that it decided to break its silence after widespread speculation began circulating among party stakeholders that discussions regarding the ticket might have progressed beyond normal consultation channels.
APC Formidables described the alleged move as a “dangerous political experiment” that could divide party members and undermine the unity that has helped the party consolidate support in Edo State in recent years.
The group also alleged that the reported political arrangement may involve interests from outside Edo State.
In particular, it mentioned political actors believed to be connected with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to AF, the possibility that external political figures might influence who eventually secures the Edo South Senatorial Ticket is troubling and unacceptable to many party members within the district.
The group argued that Edo South cannot be treated as a political territory that can be allocated through private negotiations among powerful figures.
“Edo South is not a political colony that can be distributed through midnight meetings or secret agreements,” the statement said.
The group insisted that the district has a politically conscious population that would strongly resist any attempt to undermine its democratic choices.
AF further questioned why individuals outside Edo State would have a stake in determining who represents Edo South in the Senate.
The group asked whether similar external interference would be tolerated in the other senatorial districts of the state.
It warned that the people of Edo South would not accept a situation where their political destiny is negotiated in private by individuals who are not directly accountable to the electorate.
Beyond the alleged external influence, the group also raised concerns about the internal consequences such a move could create within the party.
According to AF, imposing a candidate through elite arrangements would weaken the party’s internal reward system.
Party members who have invested years building grassroots support structures may feel ignored if the Edo South Senatorial Ticket is decided without a transparent and democratic process.
The group stressed that loyalty, dedication and consistent support for the party should remain important factors in determining who gets the party’s ticket for major elections.
It warned that sidelining loyal members in favour of politically convenient arrangements could discourage grassroots supporters who have been instrumental in sustaining the party across communities in Edo South.
The group also questioned the political track record of the former federal lawmaker reportedly being considered for the senatorial position.
According to APC Formidables, the former representative did not leave behind a significant record of development projects or legislative achievements during his time representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
The group said residents of the constituency have struggled to identify major transformative projects that could justify his elevation to a higher political office.
“Beyond appearances in the media and political theatrics, there are few enduring achievements that people can point to from his time in office,” the statement added.
AF therefore challenged supporters of the former lawmaker to publicly highlight specific landmark projects or impactful legislation associated with his tenure.
The group insisted that the race for the Edo South Senatorial Ticket should be based on merit, performance and the support of party members rather than secret political arrangements.
It emphasised that Edo South remains the electoral backbone of the APC in Edo State and warned that dissatisfaction among party members could have wider implications for the party’s political future.
Political observers say disputes over party tickets are common ahead of major elections, especially in districts where electoral influence is strong.
However, analysts also warn that unresolved internal disputes can weaken party cohesion if not carefully managed.
For now, the debate surrounding the Edo South Senatorial Ticket appears far from over, as different stakeholders within the APC continue to position themselves ahead of the eventual selection process.
Many party members are now calling on the leadership of the APC to ensure that any decision regarding the ticket is made through a transparent and democratic process that reflects the wishes of party faithful across the district.
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