EDO SOUTH APC STAKEHOLDERS REJECT CLANDESTINE MOVE TO DRAG BENIN PALACE INTO PARTY DISPUTE : Warn Against Undermining Tradition and Party Process
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Benin City, Edo State – 21st May 2026
We, the undersigned Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders, condemn in the strongest terms the surreptitious attempt by a faction of the APC leadership in Edo State to present Hon. Ogbeide Ihama to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, at the Palace tomorrow, 22nd May 2026, at 4pm.
This move is provocative, premature, and a direct affront to the dignity of the Benin Throne and the integrity of our great party, the APC.
*The Facts Are Clear:*
1. *No Candidate Has Been Officially Recognized*: The Edo South Senatorial primary election of Monday, 18th May 2026, produced a contest between Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, and Senator Neda Imasuen. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerged victorious with an overwhelming margin. Neither Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, nor any other senatorial candidate nationwide has been issued a Certificate of Return by the APC National Working Committee.
2. *The Matter is Sub Judice Before the Party’s Highest Organ*: Following the emergence of multiple claimants, the APC National Working Committee summoned both Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Hon. Ogbeide Ihama to Abuja. That process is ongoing and has not been concluded. For the Edo State APC Secretary to issue a circular directing members to the Palace for a “presentation” is a usurpation of the NWC’s authority and a violation of party procedure.
3. *The Palace Must Not Be Politicized*: The Oba of Benin is the father of all. His Palace is a revered institution above partisan squabbles. Dragging the Palace into an unresolved internal party matter is reckless and disrespectful to centuries of Benin tradition. It sets a dangerous precedent of using royal authority to validate disputed political claims.
*Our Demand and Advice:*
We humbly but firmly appeal to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, to decline any meeting or ceremony related to the presentation of any APC senatorial candidate for Edo South until the APC National Working Committee formally concludes its process and issues a Certificate of Return.
We advise the Edo State APC leadership to immediately withdraw the circular and cease actions that undermine party discipline and the sanctity of the Palace. Internal disputes are resolved in Abuja through the NWC, not in Benin City through backdoor Palace visits.
To our party members in Edo South: Do not be misled into participating in an event that has no standing under the APC Constitution. Stand firm for due process and party supremacy.
We remain loyal to the APC and to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But loyalty does not mean silence in the face of actions that embarrass the party and disrespect our revered monarchy.
*Signed,*
*Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders*
For and on behalf of loyal party members across the 7 LGAs of Edo South Senatorial District
