Re: Edo South Senate Contest – Let the APC Appeal Committee Conclude Its Work

 

The attention of APC Stakeholders, Edo South, has been drawn to recent media reports attempting to pre-empt the ongoing internal process of the All Progressives Congress regarding the Edo South Senatorial District ticket.

We state as follows:

1. We respect the Governor and have never insulted him

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu holds His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, in high regard as the leader of the APC in Edo State. He has never insulted the Governor, nor has he instructed any supporter to do so. The senatorial race has generated reactions across party lines, and some of those supporting Pastor Ize-Iyamu today were once his fiercest critics. If such persons criticize the Governor, Pastor Ize-Iyamu should not be held responsible for their independent views.

2. The matter is before the APC National Working Committee

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has formally submitted a petition to the APC NWC and is awaiting the outcome of the Appeal Committee. The party has a clear internal mechanism for resolving disputes, and we respect that process. It is premature for anyone, including the Governor, to congratulate a winner when the NWC has stated that no result is authentic until it is approved by the National Working Committee.

3. Edo South has spoken

The people of Edo South know who they voted for and supported on the ground. The jubilation in the streets and the video evidence circulating widely confirm the will of the people. No media spin can erase what happened in broad daylight.

4. The Governor should act as a unifying leader

The primaries are an internal affair of the party and will be resolved at the appropriate time. As leader of the APC in Edo State, the Governor must restrain himself from entering the arena so he can effectively unite everyone after the exercise. Using ward structures or public statements to create the impression of a fait accompli only deepens division within the APC ahead of 2027.

5. We will abide by the party’s decision

When the party speaks through the appropriate organ, we will abide by it. Pastor Ize-Iyamu remains committed to the APC, to President Bola Tinubu, and to a transparent, credible process.

We urge all APC members and stakeholders in Edo South to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on strengthening the party.

Signed,  

APC Stakeholders, Edo South