The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has denied speculation of a disagreement between him and party chieftain, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, maintaining that Governor Monday Okpebholo remains the party’s leader in the state.
Tenebe made this known on Sunday while addressing journalists at his residence in Benin City, where he reassured party faithful of unity within the state chapter and the party’s readiness to conduct peaceful ward, local government, and state congresses.
He expressed confidence in emerging as the substantive state chairman, noting that he had been overseeing party affairs in an acting capacity following the resignation of former chairman, Col. David Imuse (retd.), who left the position to pursue the 2024 governorship race.
Dismissing reports of internal crisis, Tenebe stressed that the Edo APC leadership remains cohesive and focused on consolidating its recent electoral gains. He explained that any past differences with Oshiomhole were limited to the party’s primary election period, during which he insisted on strict adherence to due process.
According to him, party leaders reconciled after the primaries, jointly campaigned, and secured victory, adding that there is currently no division within the party structure.
Speaking on the forthcoming congresses, Tenebe suggested that the current leadership is likely to be retained, describing it as a successful team. He emphasized that the party’s priority is to support the state government in delivering development and democratic dividends to the people.
The APC chairman also outlined the party’s strategy to secure about 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. He said the target would be driven by aggressive mobilisation, expected defections from opposition parties, and increased voter turnout.
Tenebe claimed that Labour Party local government chairmen were expected to defect to the APC soon, while discussions were ongoing with several PDP local government chairmen considering similar moves. He argued that these developments show weakening opposition strength in the state.
He further disclosed that Edo has roughly three million registered voters, many of whom live outside the state. He said the party was engaging Edo indigenes across the country and working with supporters to provide logistics that would enable them to return home to vote during elections.
Recent reports also show APC leaders in Edo repeatedly emphasizing unity and mobilisation ahead of future elections, as well as highlighting ongoing defections from opposition parties into the ruling party.
