(L), Gov. Monday Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole
BY TITUS AKHIGBE, BENIN
Crisis of confidence is brewing in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) between governor Monday Okpebholo and former governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who is representing Edo North Senatorial district in the senate over the control of party leadership in the state.
It was reliably gathered that Okpebholo, wanting to assert his authority as governor of the state is backing acting state Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe as substantive chairman come December 2025, when APC nationwide Congresses are expected to hold. However Oshiomhole, who has always been the leader of the party in the state wants Tenebe out and he is being backed by his political ally, Engr.Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development.
The reasons the governor is insisting on Tenebe’s party leadership are not far-fetched. It will be recalled that during the governorship primaries, Oshiomhole fully backed Hon. Dennis Idahosa, then member of the House of Representatives from Edo South Senatorial district at the expense of Senator Okpebholo from Edo Central senatorial district. Against all odds, Tenebe, the acting party chairman defied the directives of Oshiomhole and backed the latter (Okpebholo) for the governorship ticket.
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Even when Oshiomhole’s candidate (Idahosa) was initially announced as the flag bearer, Tenebe didn’t relent until the presidency ordered a fresh process, which eventually produced Okpebholo, a sitting Senator as the governorship candidate. A chieftain of the party confided in this reporter that the governor prefers Tenebe for standing by him when it mattered most. Tenebe is from Etsako, just like Oshiomhole, who is said to be rooting for a former deputy governor, Hon Pius Egberamwen Odubu as party chairman come December Congress.
Besides, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly played a major role in the emergence of Okpebholo as governor is said to be interested in who becomes the party chairman. It is believed that Akpabio is equally backing Tenebe to whittle down the political influence of Oshiomhole.
It was gathered that Akpabio is out to stop Oshiomhole from returning to the Senate in 2027 to checkmate his rumoured ambition for the presidency of the senate, currently zoned to the South South. A school of thought believes Okpebholo will do the bidding of the Senate President in ensuring the return of Tenebe in December party Congress because he sees him as his benefactor.
No doubt, when the chips are down, a prominent APC chieftain, Osagie Ize-Iyamu will equally back Tenebe’s return to halt Oshiomhole’s leadership.
A top party hierarchy confided in this reporter that majority of the party stakeholders are turning their eyes away from the current acting chairman and placing their hope on the former Deputy Governor, Odubu as the bridge needed to heal the party and prepare it for the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party stated that the dissatisfaction with Tenebe’s style of leadership has grown significantly. His critics describe his tenure as marked by alleged authoritarian decision making and an “undemocratic, crude style” of party management.
One senior party official lamented, “We cannot keep returning to the same heavy-handed leadership and overbearing tendency that alienates rather than unite us.”
In view of the discontentment against Tenebe, Odubu and Abdul Ganiyu Lawani, fondly called Abu Millionaire are popular names being mentioned in political circle for the chairmanship position. Oshiomhole, together with the Minister (Momoh) are said to be insisting on either Odubu or Abu Millionaire, who is from Owan East in Edo North Senatorial District. Both Oshiomhole and Momoh are said to be strongly opposed to Tenebe ‘s return. Will the governor play ball?
A leader of the party in Oredo Local Government Area, who pleaded for anonymity owing to the sensitive nature of the power struggle within the APC, said Odubu is the man for the job.
“Odubu is fatherly and liberal in approach. He doesn’t order people around, he brings them in. His style fosters loyalty and respect rather than fear. He commands respect across party lines.
“Even in the face of internal crisis, Odubu retains goodwill. His leadership quality is admired by all. You can see that the Deputy Governor (Idahosa)had to concede the leadership of the party in Edo South to him and that speaks to the trust they have for him.
“If he eventually succeeds, he will further reunite, galvanise and reinforce the party. The feeling is that the APC in Edo needs someone to reset the culture of leadership. What we need now is not another bulldozer, but a bridge builder. Pius Odubu is that bridge.”
Others however are of the view that the chairmanship should remain in Edo North, the zone where Tenebe hails from for reasons of geo-political balance and inclusivity.
Okpebholo, who is known for his taciturnity, appears to be in a dilemma between his rumoured support for Tenebe as against the choice of some powerful party leaders opposed to his return in December 2025 party Congress.
Who blinks first between the state governor and Oshiomhole? Only time will tell. However are of the view that the chairmanship should remain in Edo North, the zone where Tenebe hails from for reasons of geo-political balance and inclusivity.
Okpebholo, who is known for his taciturnity, appears to be in a dilemma between his rumoured support for Tenebe as against the choice of some powerful party leaders opposed to his return in December 2025 party Congress.
Who blinks first between the state governor and Oshiomhole? Only time will tell.
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