Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State as a concerned group in Edo South Senatorial District has called for the immediate resignation of the party’s State Secretary, Lawrence Okah, over what it described as a prolonged and unconstitutional stay in office.
The group, led by its coordinator, Ambassador Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, made the demand while addressing journalists in Benin City, alleging that Okah has occupied the position for nearly a decade—an act it insists contravenes the APC constitution and undermines internal democracy.
Ugbo argued that the continued tenure of the State Secretary stifles inclusivity and shuts out qualified party members across the seven local government areas in Edo South from contributing to the party’s leadership.
He appealed to APC leaders across the state to urgently intervene and ensure a leadership transition that reflects fairness, equity, and balance within the party structure.
The group also called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to wade into the matter, urging him to promote internal cohesion by prevailing on Okah to step aside in the interest of unity.
Warning of deeper consequences, Ugbo said allowing what he termed a “tenure elongation” to persist could amount to a blatant disregard for the party’s constitution and weaken its ideological foundation rooted in justice and equal representation.
He further cautioned that decisions or endorsements made under what he described as an “illegal tenure” could expose the party to legal vulnerabilities, particularly in electoral matters, drawing parallels with past court rulings in similar disputes.
Raising the stakes, the group hinted at possible litigation, with Ugbo declaring his readiness as a civil rights activist to challenge the alleged constitutional breach in court if the situation is not addressed.
He urged stakeholders in Edo South to act swiftly to avert a full-blown internal crisis, stressing that the unity and future of the APC in the district remain at risk.
“No individual is bigger than the party,” Ugbo declared, insisting that preserving the integrity of the APC must override personal ambitions.
