A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has called for the resignation of the party’s state secretary, Lawrence Okah, over allegations of favoritism and marginalisation in political appointments.
The group, operating under the name Concerned APC Members in Oredo, accused Okah of allegedly concentrating the bulk of political positions and appointments in his Ward 7, while sidelining the remaining 11 wards in the council.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, the group’s coordinator, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged that Okah used his influence to corner key party and government positions for his ward.
“Lawrence Okah has concentrated critical appointments in Ward 7 of Oredo Local Government Area, leaving other wards grossly underrepresented. Such actions are against the spirit and ideology of the APC, which is founded on fairness and inclusivity,” Osadiaye said.
He listed the positions allegedly influenced by the APC secretary to Ward 7, 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 of Assembly, among others.
Osadiaye urged APC leaders across Edo State to intervene and restore balance in the party’s structure within Oredo. He also appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure fairness in political appointments ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
“This imbalance threatens the unity and growth of the APC in Oredo. We urge the governor to correct these injustices and ensure all wards are fairly represented,” he added.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Uwadaie Igbinigie, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and misleading. He maintained that Okah had been fair in distributing opportunities across Oredo.
“The claims are a foul cry far from reality. Several prominent appointments from Oredo are not from Ward 7. The party secretary has been inclusive and carried everyone along, even within the state exco,” Igbinigie countered.
He cited the Commissioner for Education, who hails from Oredo but not from Ward 7, as evidence of equitable distribution of appointments.
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