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By Tracy Moses
A group under the aegis of Edo APC Concern Stakeholders has strongly criticized recent comments credited to the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, describing them as “reckless, divisive, and overreaching.”
Tenebe was recently quoted as saying that candidates who contested the 2023 local government chairmanship elections under the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki would be automatically rewarded with the APC ticket in the forthcoming council polls. This comment has drawn sharp condemnation within the party’s ranks.
In a statement signed and issued on Tuesday by the Edo APC Concern Stakeholders, the group accused Tenebe of attempting to usurp powers that do not belong to the office of the state chairman.
They emphasized that the authority to determine candidates for the party at the local government level does not reside with the chairman but lies with the Governor, who is the leader of the party in the state, and relevant grassroots leaders.
“The duty of the State Chairman is to provide leadership in line with the constitution of our party, not to arrogate to himself powers that clearly do not belong to his office,” the statement reads in part.
The stakeholders argued that such unilateral pronouncements by the chairman are capable of creating unnecessary division and disaffection within the party, especially at a time when unity and discipline are needed ahead of the crucial local government elections.
They further urged the Governor of Edo State and leader of the APC in the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to immediately call Mr. Tenebe to order before his “overbearing attitude” causes further internal discord.
“We cannot have two governors in one state,” the statement stressed. “It is the Governor and the party leaders who have the prerogative power to decide who gets the party’s ticket, not the state chairman.”
Reaffirming their commitment to the growth and electoral success of the APC in Edo State, the stakeholders cautioned against any attempt to impose candidates or reward what they termed “political mercenaries” through backdoor arrangements.
“Local government elections are too important to be treated with levity or personal interest,” they said. “Every genuine party member who has labored for the success of the APC in Edo deserves a fair and transparent process.”
The group concluded by urging all party members to remain vigilant, focused, and committed to the ideals of the party and the transformation agenda of Governor Okpebholo, as preparations for the local government elections gather momentum.