A fresh crisis is brewing within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations of selective and irregular sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
The controversy centres on the State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, who has been accused by party members and aspirants of denying fair access to nomination forms for the 24 State constituencies of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Party insiders describe the situation as tense and potentially destabilising, particularly as the APC seeks to consolidate its structure in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Sources at the Edo APC secretariat revealed that the process for the sale of forms has been marred by confusion and inconsistency, creating what one party member described as a “cloudy and troubling atmosphere” within the state chapter.
According to multiple accounts, some aspirants—particularly those perceived as popular at the grassroots—have encountered difficulties obtaining the necessary forms, allegedly due to interference from the state leadership.
The primary elections for the State Assembly seats are scheduled to take place later this month.
Several party members have alleged that the chairman’s actions may be influenced by certain incumbent lawmakers seeking re-election, who are reportedly leveraging their positions to secure endorsements and limit competition.
There are also concerns that existing zoning and rotational arrangements within some constituencies are being undermined, further heightening tensions among party stakeholders.
Critics within the party accuse Tenebe of unilaterally altering previously agreed frameworks and endorsing preferred aspirants without broad consultation.
Some members further allege that inducements, including financial and material incentives, may have played a role in shaping these decisions—claims that have not been independently verified.
In what appears to be a pushback against the process, a number of aspirants reportedly protested their exclusion, prompting intervention from the APC national secretariat, which facilitated access to forms for some affected individuals.
However, sources indicate that tensions remain high, with fears that those not aligned with the state leadership could still face challenges during the primaries.
A party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that threats of disqualification have been made against aspirants who are not endorsed by the state chairman.
“There is a growing sense of disenfranchisement among aspirants. If this continues, it could have serious consequences for party unity,” the source said.
There are also claims that the situation reflects a broader leadership vacuum within the state chapter, with some members alleging that the state governor and party leader has not taken sufficient steps to address the concerns.
Stakeholders warn that failure to ensure a transparent and inclusive process could trigger internal divisions capable of undermining the APC’s electoral prospects in Edo State.
An aspirant, who declined to be named, cautioned that unresolved grievances could lead to “unexpected outcomes” in the elections.
Concerned party members have therefore called on the governor and national leaders of the APC to intervene urgently and restore confidence in the process.
They emphasised the need for fairness, adherence to internal democracy, and respect for established guidelines governing candidate selection.
“The rules are clear—every aspirant deserves a fair hearing. Where consensus is not possible, a credible primary election must be conducted,” a party member stated.
As the primaries approach, observers say how the party manages the unfolding crisis may prove critical in determining its cohesion and competitiveness ahead of the 2027 polls.
