Edo group warns of alleged plot to impose candidates.

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – With only a few days remaining before party primaries begin, Ogbakha‑Edo, a socio‑cultural organization based in Edo State, has warned against alleged attempts to impose candidates on voters in the Edo South Senatorial District, saying such actions could backfire.

The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to advise his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), not to pursue an imposed candidacy in a region that accounts for more than half of the state’s votes.

In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Professor Sam Guobadia, and Secretary General, Dr. Andrew Izekor, the organization also urged other political parties to avoid using the same imposition strategy.

They noted that a previous publication they issued on the matter was not refuted by APC leadership, and rumors of candidate imposition have grown stronger.

The statement warned that the democratic rights of APC members in Edo South are under serious threat.

“We consider this development unacceptable, provocative, and capable of triggering avoidable political unrest within the party and across Edo South.

“In view of the grave implications of these developments, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the APC, to urgently intervene in this matter before it degenerates further.

“As a foremost beneficiary and symbol of democratic struggle in Nigeria, Mr. President must not allow anti‑democratic forces within the party to undermine the credibility of the APC through manipulation, coercion, and imposition.”

“The people of Edo South are not second‑class citizens within the APC or any other political party. Our zone possesses competent, credible, and qualified aspirants capable of presenting themselves before party members for a free and fair contest. Any attempt to manipulate the process in favour of a pre‑selected candidate will be firmly resisted through all lawful and democratic means available.

“Let it be clearly understood that Edo South is watching closely. The growing anger, anxiety, and resentment among party faithful and the wider populace should not be ignored. All political parties, the APC in particular, must choose between democracy and imposition, between justice and manipulation, between unity and avoidable division.

“Ogbakha‑Edo therefore strongly warns against any attempt to force a candidate on Edo South against the wishes of party members. Such a move will be resisted by all democratic means. The time to halt this dangerous course is now.”

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