In the Edo State wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), tension mounts over Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s purported backing and intended imposition of a favoured contender for the upcoming gubernatorial polls, sparking concerns across the region.
Rumblings, initially mere whispers, have now swelled into a chorus of discontent, echoing throughout the state, as reports indicate Senator Oshiomhole convened a closed-door session with former Commissioners Mr. Kassim Afegbua and Mr. Mika Amanokha, accompanied by Mr. Dennis Idahosa. Allegedly, the trio sought to rally support among local chairpersons across the 18 administrative districts.
A confidential source revealed that directives trickled down to local leadership, compelling them to convene urgent assemblies to disseminate the purported endorsement of Mr. Dennis Idahosa for the gubernatorial candidacy, purportedly supported by President Bola Tinubu, Vice Chairman Kashim Shettima, and party chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Nevertheless, a cadre of aspirants, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Charles Airhiavbere, Mr Lucky Imasuen, Blessing Agbonmere, and Mr. David Imuse, have adamantly vowed to thwart any attempts at imposition within the party’s ranks.
Should the existing fissures escalate into a full-fledged conflict, the APC risks fracturing ahead of the 21st September gubernatorial ballot, mirroring the internal discord that once plagued the Peoples Democratic Party within the state.