Edo State APC chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has moved to quash speculation of internal division within the ruling party, declaring Governor Monday Okpebholo as the undisputed leader of the All Progressives Congress in the state and insisting there is no rift with former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Speaking during a media interaction, Tenebe described reports of tension within the Edo APC leadership as baseless and misleading, stressing that the party remains united, focused on governance and determined to consolidate its electoral gains.
According to him, claims of cracks within the party’s leadership structure are a distortion of reality and do not reflect the current working relationship among key stakeholders.
“The leader of the APC in Edo State is the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo. There have been insinuations that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and I are not working together, but that is very far from the truth,” Tenebe said.
He acknowledged that disagreements did occur during the party’s 2024 primary elections but maintained that such differences were short-lived and healthy for internal democracy. Tenebe explained that once the primaries were concluded, all stakeholders closed ranks to secure victory at the polls.
“The only disagreement we ever had was during the primaries when I stood on doing the right thing. After that, we campaigned together, we won together, and since then we have continued to work together seamlessly. There are absolutely no cracks on the wall,” he added.
Addressing speculation that powerful interests within the party were plotting to block his confirmation as substantive chairman at the party’s convention later this year, Tenebe expressed confidence that continuity would prevail, citing the party’s recent electoral success.
“I am optimistic because we are a winning team. The party will not change a team that delivered success,” he said, adding that the APC leadership’s priority is to support Governor Okpebholo in delivering good governance and fulfilling campaign promises to the people of Edo State.
Tenebe also dismissed allegations that loyal party members had been sidelined since the election, arguing that inclusiveness and reconciliation are essential for stability and development within the party.
“No one has been shut out. Politics is about growth and reconciliation. Someone who opposed you yesterday but decides to join you today should not be rejected. That is how you build a strong and progressive party,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, the APC chairman revealed that the party has begun aggressive mobilisation efforts, targeting 3.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Edo State. He disclosed that the party is reaching out to Edo indigenes living outside the state and making logistical arrangements to ensure their participation.
“We are serious about delivering results in 2027, and we are confidenGov Okpebholo Is Edo APC Leader, Party United — Tenebe Dismisses Rift With Oshiomholet we can even exceed that target,” Tenebe said.
He further claimed that opposition parties in the state were rapidly losing ground, with several political structures already defecting to the APC. According to him, chairmen from 16 local government areas under the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party are aligning with the ruling party.
Responding to concerns that mass defections could weaken democratic competition, Tenebe maintained that it was not the responsibility of the APC to sustain the opposition.
“The constitution guarantees freedom of association. Anyone who chooses to join our party is welcome,” he said.
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