Concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo South have expressed alarm over what they described as growing imposition, intimidation, and marginalisation within the party, following the resignation of the member representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Esosa Iyawe, from the APC.

In a statement signed by Dr. Peter Edokpolor and Alfred Agbonifo, the group said Iyawe’s resignation reflected a deepening crisis within the ruling party in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders said the development was “not an isolated incident” but part of a “dangerous pattern of disillusionment, alienation, and frustration” among loyal party members who they claimed worked for the APC’s victory in the 2024 governorship election in the state. According to them, many long-standing members of the party now feel excluded from the decision-making process in the Edo APC.

The group alleged that government appointees and political stakeholders in Edo South were being pressured to support preferred aspirants ahead of the 2027 primaries.

“There are threats. There are consequences. There is intimidation for non-compliance. This is not democracy. This is imposition,” the statement read.

The stakeholders also expressed concern over what they described as the erosion of the party’s original structure in the state, alleging that the APC was being “reshaped and re-engineered” to favour new political interests at the expense of foundational members.

They warned that the development could weaken the party’s chances in Edo South, which they described as the “electoral powerhouse” of the state, and ultimately affect President Bola Tinubu’s electoral prospects in Edo in 2027.

The group further condemned what it called the public vilification of aspirants perceived not to be aligned with the government’s preferred interests, saying such actions were undermining party cohesion and damaging the APC’s public image.

While acknowledging Governor Monday Okpebholo as the leader of the party in Edo State, the stakeholders urged him to provide inclusive leadership capable of reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening party unity.

As part of their demands, the group called on the APC State Executive to urgently convene an inclusive stakeholders’ meeting in Edo South to address grievances within the party.

They also demanded free, fair, and transparent primaries devoid of intimidation or interference from government officials.

In addition, the stakeholders called for the recognition and protection of “foundational APC members” who, according to them, sustained the party during difficult periods.