BENIN, Edo State — The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, affirmed that Governor Monday Okpebholo has an inherent right to back candidates seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for the 2027 general elections. Afegbua made the remarks on Monday, 27 April 2026, during a press briefing in Benin City.
The statement came after Media Talk Africa reported complaints from APC members and supporters of various aspirants for state and national assembly seats. The complainants alleged that Governor Okpebholo was favouring specific candidates in the party’s primary elections scheduled for May 2026 and that his influence extended to former cabinet members who had recently resigned.
Among the names cited were Dr. Paddy Iyamu, former Commissioner for Education, who is contesting the Oredo Federal Constituency; Dr. Washighton Osifo, former Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, vying for the Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency; Andrew Ijegbai, ex‑Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, seeking the Owan Federal Constituency; and Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, contesting the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency.
Addressing the allegations, Afegbua emphasized that the governor, as the state party leader, possesses an “inalienable right” to support any aspirant he deems suitable. He stressed that this right cannot be removed and that how the governor exercises it is his sole discretion. However, Afegbua also assured that the governor does not impose candidates on the electorate.
“The governor is very magnanimous when it comes to political matters. He encourages cross‑pollination of ideas, extensive consultations and robust engagement before decisions are taken,” Afegbua said. “We will consider what is best for each senatorial district and aim for a united decision that leads the party to victory in 2027. The process will be collective, not selective.”
Afegbua declined to comment on the governor’s personal thoughts, reiterating that any candidate selection will emerge from a collaborative decision‑making process within the party.
The APC primaries are set to take place next month, and the outcome will shape the party’s slate of candidates for the 2027 elections across Edo State. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how the internal dynamics and the governor’s influence will affect the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
