By Milcah Tanimu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State is embroiled in a deepening crisis as gubernatorial aspirants express their rejection of Sen. Adams Oshiomhole’s influence, dismissing him as the party’s godfather.

The unrest follows a contentious selection process that reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to six. The Oshiomhole-backed committee, headed by Professor Julius Ihonvbere, has become a focal point of discontent among the aspirants who believe the decision contradicts the principles of internal democracy within the party.

The chosen candidates—Clem Agba, Afolabi Ernest, Senator Monday Okpebholo, David Imuse, Dennis Idahosa, and Lucky Imasuen—are perceived by some as handpicked favorites.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate in the 2020 Edo governorship election, has obtained expression of interest and nomination forms, challenging the perception of Oshiomhole as a godfather.

Addressing journalists at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, a group led by Hon. Emmanuel Momoh asserted that the selection of a few aspirants by the Oshiomhole-backed committee goes against the APC Constitution. He emphasized that anointment is not a prerogative of any individual voter and insisted that Ize-Iyamu is proceeding with the race, considering the selection process as a deviation from the party’s National Working Committee’s direction.

Another aspirant, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, who was not among the chosen contenders, has also acquired the APC form.