Dare Babalola
Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, as party leaders in Owan West Local Government Area openly rejected moves to position the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, for a third-term bid ahead of the 2027 elections.
The dispute follows a call by former Deputy Governor, Peter Obadan, who urged stakeholders in the area to rally behind Agbebaku as the sole candidate for the constituency.
Obadan had praised the Speaker’s leadership style, citing his role in maintaining stability in the legislature and fostering cooperation with the executive arm under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“Blessing has kept the House of Assembly in peace as never before and has related very well with the Executive, we are proud of him,” Obadan said, appealing for consensus support.
However, grassroots leaders of the APC in Owan West swiftly distanced themselves from the endorsement, describing it as undemocratic and unreflective of the wishes of party members in the area.
In a joint statement issued on Friday by key party figures, including Osumah Raymond, Ayeni Iyabo and Frank David, the leaders insisted that no decision had been taken to adopt any sole candidate for the 2027 poll.
“We categorically state that this appeal does not represent the position of Owan West APC leadership or the collective will of the party in the local government and must be disregarded by party faithful and stakeholders,” the statement read.
The leaders went further to question Agbebaku’s standing within the party’s local structure, arguing that his integration into the APC remains incomplete despite his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party in 2025.
They also accused the Speaker of actions during the last governorship election that allegedly deepened divisions within the party, claiming some members faced intimidation and internal tensions during that period.
According to them, the push for a third term risks sidelining internal democracy and could further fracture party unity in Owan West if not checked.
Reacting to the controversy, Agbebaku dismissed doubts about his membership status, reaffirming his loyalty to the APC.
“I am a bona fide member of the APC, and I remain loyal to the party,” he said.
Agbebaku had defected to the ruling party in May 2025 alongside two other lawmakers—Sunny Ifada and Yekini Idaiye—marking a significant shift in the Edo State political landscape at the time.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, the disagreement signals an early contest for influence within the APC in Owan West, as competing interests within the party begin to shape the battle for its ticket.
