2027: Owan West APC Sets Conditions For Speaker’s Defection

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State has set strict conditions for the integration of a prospective defector, insisting on formal processes and reconciliation before participation in party activities.

At the end of an enlarged emergency meeting on Thursday held at the party secretariat in Sabongida-Ora, party stakeholders resolved that the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, must first formally decamp at both his ward and local government levels before being considered for acceptance into the party structure.

The meeting, attended by top party functionaries including LGA chairman Hon. Frank David, Secretary Evien Aigbokhai, former House of Representatives member Hon. Johnson Abolagba, ward executives and other stakeholders, further directed that the Speaker must fully integrate into the existing party framework at the local government level.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the party leadership stated that “the Speaker must tender an unreserved apology to individuals he allegedly brutalised, maligned, or dehumanised during the governorship election,” stressing that respect for party leadership remains non-negotiable.

The stakeholders added that only upon meeting the outlined conditions would the Speaker be allowed to participate in the party’s internal processes, including contesting for the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) ticket alongside other aspirants.

The meeting also reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, declaring that “no aspirant will be endorsed,” in line with the provisions of the party constitution, while warning against any form of external interference in the affairs of the local government chapter.

The party leadership further reiterated its resolve to strengthen its structure ahead of future elections and contribute to the party’s national target, while commending Monday Okpebholo for what it described as his developmental strides across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.