The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has affirmed that Governor Monday Okpebholo possesses the inalienable right to support any aspirant seeking to emerge as a candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a press conference in Benin on Monday, April 27, 2026, Afegbua addressed growing allegations from party members who claim the governor is backing specific candidates, particularly former political appointees who resigned from his cabinet.
These allegations have sparked concerns among APC supporters, especially those backing other aspirants for State and National Assembly seats. The accused preferred candidates include Dr Paddy Iyamu, former Commissioner for Education, who is contesting for the Oredo Federal Constituency; Dr Washighton Osifo, former Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, running for Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency; and Andrew Ijegbai, former Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, vying for Owan Federal Constituency. Also named is Dr Lucky Eseigbe, former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, who is contesting for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency.
Afegbua dismissed the claims as baseless, emphasizing that as the leader of the APC in Edo State, the governor has the constitutional and party-mandated right to endorse any aspirant. He stressed that this right is “inalienable,” meaning it cannot be taken away, and how it is exercised is solely the governor’s prerogative. He added that the governor is not in the business of imposing candidates on the electorate, but rather promotes inclusive decision-making.
“The governor is very magnanimous when it comes to politics,” Afegbua stated. “He allows for cross-pollination of ideas, robust engagement, and extensive consultations before decisions are made.” He reiterated that the party’s goal is unity and victory in 2027, and that decisions will be made collectively, not selectively. Afegbua assured the public that while the governor leads the party, the process will remain open and fair, with input from various stakeholders.
The APC’s primary elections are scheduled for next month, and the party is expected to finalize its candidates for all elective positions. As the political landscape heats up, the governor’s influence and the party’s internal dynamics will remain under close scrutiny. The coming weeks will reveal how the APC navigates these challenges and consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
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