Subject: Strong Condemnation of Alleged Intimidation Tactics Against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Ahead of Edo APC Primaries – Call for Immediate De-escalation 1. Statement of Concern -

 PRESS RELEASE

May 11, 2026

We, concerned stakeholders and loyal members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, have viewed with alarm the video currently in circulation on social media. The video features aides of the Edo State government—namely Emmanuel Egogo, Apostle Kassy, and an individual identified as “Nonminddem”—making statements and threats directed at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu ahead of the forthcoming APC primaries.

The contents of this video is  shameful, unacceptable, unconstitutional, and damaging to the APC’s credibility in Edo State. Political disagreement is normal in a democracy. Intimidation, harassment, and the use of “attack dogs” to silence aspirants is not.

*2. Why This Threatens the APC in Edo State*

*a. It Undermines Internal Democracy*

Pastor Ize-Iyamu himself has called on party leadership to ensure “integrity, transparency and impartiality” and warned against any form of candidate imposition or coercion. When party members believe the process is already decided, participation collapses and trust in the party erodes.

*b. It Repeats Past Mistakes That Cost the APC Edo*

In 2020, unresolved intra-party conflict led to APC losing the governorship. Allegations now emerging of imposition in Edo South, and pressure to hand party structures to external  interests, show the same pattern re-emerging.

*c. It Damages the Party’s Electoral Prospects*

Groups within the party have already warned that current actions “threaten party unity and risks serious electoral consequences”. Edo South APC loyalists have rejected  imposition and the surrender of party structures to external forces. Continuing on this path prepares the APC for defeat, not victory.

*d. It Betrays Loyalty and Gratitude*

The public is concerned that individuals who are  beneficiaries of Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s goodwill and political support in Edo State are now being sponsored  to lead attacks against him.  This action undermines the culture of loyalty that holds political organizations together and sends a damaging message to younger party members about the value of service.

*3. Specific Demands and Expected Steps*

To prevent this from escalating into a full-blown crisis, we demand immediate action:

*a. Public De-escalation by the State Party Leader*

Governor Monday Okpebholo, as leader of the APC in Edo State, must publicly commit to a free and fair primary. He should restrain any appointees—including those named in the  video—from using state office, threats, or intimidation against any aspirant. Allegations that he has threatened to sack appointees supporting Ize-Iyamu must be addressed directly.

*b. Immediate Investigation and Discipline*

The APC State Working Committee and National Working Committee must investigate the authenticity and content of the alleged video. If party officials or aides are found to have engaged in conduct that violates the APC constitution and Code of Conduct, disciplinary measures must follow swiftly and transparently.

*c. Neutral and Transparent Primary Process*

The NWC must deploy a credible primary committee with no ties to any aspirant. Membership lists, accreditation, and voting procedures must be published in advance and monitored by independent observers. Party members at ward level must be allowed to vote “without fear, coercion or intimidation”.

*d. Intervention of National Leadership*

We repeat the appeal made by APC groups in Edo South: President Bola Tinubu, as National Leader of the party, must intervene before this “ugly development escalates into a full-blown party crisis”. Early intervention in 2026 is cheaper than managing a split in 2027.

*e. Public Renunciation of Violence and Imposition*

All aspirants,  should sign a peace accord committing to accept the outcome of a credible primary and to refrain from violence or intimidation.

*4. Conclusion*

The APC in Edo State was built by men and women who believed in fair contest, not imposition. If the  circulating video are true, then the actions of Emmanuel Egogo, Apostle Kassy, and Nonminddem are condemnable and must be disowned by the party leadership immediately.

Edo APC cannot win 2027 by intimidating its own members. It can only win by returning to the people and allowing them to choose. We call on all party organs to act now, before the damage becomes irreversible.

*Signed*

Barr. Uyi Obakpolor, Oredo LGA and Engr Benson Obaretin 

For:

Concerned APC Stakeholders

Edo South Senatorial District