Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State are divided over the recently submitted list of commissioner candidates.
In a protest letter dated November 21, 2024 addressed to the state governor, Monday Okpeboro, through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Musa Umar Ikhilor, the party leaders said that the list reflects the five kingdoms within the local government. claimed not to have done so. , Idoa, Ogwa, Ujogba, Egoro.
The petition titled “Re: Recommend five names from Esan West Local Government” was signed by APC leaders from local 10 wards.
They will be consulted by Thomas Okosun, former Edo State House Speaker and former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and former APC state chairman, David Imusu, who will consult the local party leadership. They accused him of orchestrating the nomination of a candidate without knowing anything. They said the practice was also followed in other local governments.
Signatories of the petition include Chief Edwin Ogiriaki, Chief Saturday Ogbeide, Hon. Mr. Abu Momodu, Mr. Wisly Udadze, Mr. Festus Ozobah, Mr. Wesley Oran, Mr. Sam Akhibe, Mr. Ikpea Ojie, Mr. Joe Ayse Eisedion, and Mr. Ozobah. Ehiwa on Monday.
The petitioners further pointed out that one of the candidates, Mrs. Ogbidi, is the wife of the local government APC chairman and the other, Pastor Odigi, is the pastor of Thomas Okosun church, alleging bias in the candidates. insisted.
They called on Governor Okpeboro to review the candidates and ensure fair representation of all five kingdoms.
According to the petitioners, “We, the officials of Esan Seibu Local Government, would like to register a protest against the list of commissioner candidates for Esan Seibu Local Government.
“Firstly, the appointment was made by Mr. Thomas Okosun and Mr. Imuse without consulting the local government leadership as has been done in other local governments.
“Secondly, the list is made up of his relatives and friends. For example, the women on the list are Mrs. Ogbidi, the wife of the party chairman and the governor’s biggest critic;・He is the pastor of a church in Okosun.
“Also, this choice did not reflect the spread in the local government as Esan West is comprised of five kingdoms: Ekpoma, Idore, Ogwa, Ujogba and Egoro.
“Our usual practice is to select one candidate from each kingdom, but in this case, all the candidates are from the Ekpoma kingdom.”
Party leaders argued that the list could cause division within the local party and called on Governor Okpeboro to set it aside in the interest of justice.
