Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State have rejected the endorsement of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Assembly election.

The party leaders described the call by a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rev. Peter Obadan, for Agbebaku to emerge as the sole candidate of the party as undemocratic and driven by narrow interests.

Obadan had urged stakeholders across Owan to support Agbebaku, citing his relationship with constituents and contributions to the development of the area, as well as what he described as an inclusive leadership style.

He said Agbebaku had maintained stability in the House of Assembly and fostered a cordial working relationship with the executive arm of government, adding that the lawmaker had demonstrated commitment to the people of Owan West.

“Blessing has kept the House of Assembly in peace as never before and has related very well with the Executive, and I am sure Governor Monday Okpebholo is proud of him, and we are proud of him,” Obadan said, while calling on stakeholders to back the Speaker as the sole candidate for the constituency.

However, Owan West APC leaders faulted the endorsement, stating that the local government had not experienced satisfactory representation under Agbebaku.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by party executives in the local government, including the Chairman of Chairmen, Osumah Raymond, the LGA Women Leader, Ayeni Iyabo, and the Chairman of Owan West LGA, Frank David, the leaders rejected the call for Agbebaku’s third-term bid.

They said the appeal by Obadan did not reflect the position of the APC leadership in Owan West and should be disregarded by party members and stakeholders.

“We categorically state that this appeal does not represent the position of Owan West APC leadership or the collective will of the party in the local government and must be disregarded by party faithful and stakeholders,” the statement partly read.

The leaders also alleged that Agbebaku’s actions during the last governorship election contributed to internal tensions within the party, claiming that some members were subjected to harassment and intimidation.

They further argued that Agbebaku had yet to fully align with the party’s structure at the ward and local government levels, insisting that he was not formally recognised within the APC leadership structure in Owan West.

“We therefore call on stakeholders and the general public to disregard the appeal made by Rev. Obadan, as it lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the stance of the party in Owan West,” the statement added.

Responding, Agbebaku maintained that he remained a bona fide member of the APC and loyal to the party.

“I am a bona fide member of the APC, and I remain loyal to the party,” he said.

PUNCH Online had reports that Agbebaku, alongside two other lawmakers, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC on May 6, 2025.

The other la’makers are Sunny Ifada, representing Esan Central Constituency, and Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko Edo I Constituency. (The PUNCH)

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