Edo APC Secretary Faces Resignation Calls Amid Allegations of Marginalisation

A faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, has called for the resignation of the party’s state secretary, Lawrence Okah, accusing him of favoritism and marginalizing other wards in political appointments.

The group, known as Concerned APC Members in Oredo, claims that Okah has concentrated most key political positions and appointments within his own Ward 7, sidelining the remaining 11 wards in the council.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Monday, the group’s coordinator, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged that Okah used his influence to secure disproportionate representation for his ward in both party and government positions.

“Lawrence Okah has centralized critical appointments in Ward 7, leaving other wards underrepresented. This behavior contradicts the APC’s values of fairness and inclusivity,” Osadiaye stated.

He listed several positions he claimed were dominated by Ward 7 nominees due to Okah’s influence, including the local government party chairman, assistant treasurer, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, a representative in the Oil and Gas Commission, and two special assistants to the Speaker of the House.

Osadiaye urged APC leaders in Edo State to intervene and restore fairness within Oredo’s party structure. He also appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure equitable political appointments, especially with local government elections approaching.

“This imbalance threatens party unity and growth in Oredo. We call on the governor to address these injustices and ensure all wards are fairly represented,” he added.

In response, APC State Publicity Secretary Uwadaie Igbinigie dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading.

He defended Okah’s record, saying the party secretary has been fair in distributing opportunities throughout Oredo. “These claims are far from reality. Several key appointments from Oredo are not from Ward 7. Okah has been inclusive, involving everyone, including in the state executive committee,” Igbinigie stated.

He pointed to the Commissioner for Education, who is from Oredo but not Ward 7, as an example of balanced representation.