In the realm of politics, where silence is often mistaken for weakness and loyalty is repaid with betrayal, I have watched with deep disappointment as Emma Iyase, LGA Chairman of Egor Chapter, chose the low road of political mudslinging.
He launched a baseless, self-serving attack on my integrity, loyalty, and commitment to the APC in Edo State.
Ordinarily, I would not respond to such a weakly constructed attempt at defamation. However, I owe it to myself, to those who believe in truth, and to the people of Edo State to set the record straight. Let no one be mistaken.
When facts are distorted and genuine efforts are brushed aside in favour of political gymnastics, silence is not an option.
*I AM NOT NEW TO POLITICS, NOR TO SACRIFICE*
To those scrambling to rewrite history, let me make this clear. I am no political opportunist. My journey through the Labour Party, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and now the APC, has never been about self-enrichment or personal glory. It has always been about service, hope, and a deep-seated desire to see Edo rise from mediocrity to a model of inclusive governance.
I have invested not only time but also tangible resources, structures, and intellectual capital in every platform I have worked with. For anyone, especially someone whose record does not extend beyond local grandstanding, to attempt to erase or question my contribution to this party is not just laughable. It is an affront to truth and fairness.
*A HISTORY OF BEING IGNORED, NOT A LACK OF COMMITMENT*
Let the records speak clearly. I told Emma Iyase and other chieftains to remind the Governor several times of the commitments made before the elections.
I reached out through proper channels. I attempted to arrange meetings. I traveled personally to meet with the Governor. Each time, I was met with promises.
Does my insistence on follow-up now count as blackmail? Since when did holding leaders accountable become a sin? Since when did keeping campaign promises become optional?
If standing for what is right is “cheap blackmail” in your eyes, then perhaps it is your values that need correction.
*YES, I KNOW THE PARTY, AND I HAVE DONE THE WORK*
You ask if I know the party secretariat. Yes, I do. I have been there. I contributed both financially and structurally. You personally collected money from me for the running of that office. So let us not pretend otherwise.
While some individuals showed up at rallies for photo opportunities, I was on the ground for 4 months from June to October 2024. I contributed to planning, mobilisation, and outreach. During the Egor Rally, I mobilised supporters with my personal resources.
Even after INEC delayed publishing my name until August 2024, barely a month before the election, I did not complain. Instead, I collapsed my political structure and supported the APC candidate. That was not for personal gain but for party unity. If the APC wants to retain credibility, it must learn to reward commitment and sacrifice, not sideline it.
*I DID NOT DISAPPEAR. I CONTINUED MY WORK*
I was with the Governor in Abuja when he received his Certificate of Return. This alone exposes the lie that I disappeared two days after the election. I stayed in Nigeria for weeks after the polls. I participated and supported ongoing activities.
Eventually, I returned to the United States to resume my professional responsibilities and reunite with my family. That decision was not out of neglect but of necessity. I have never been one to cling to politics without purpose. I continue to contribute to Edo both at home and abroad.
Leadership is not defined by how often one is seen at a ward meeting. It is defined by sustained contribution, proven sacrifice, and the courage to speak up when it matters.
*REWARD MERIT, NOT ENTITLEMENT*
The real issue is not about me. It is about a political culture that rewards proximity to power while ignoring those who fought for electoral victory. The APC must reflect deeply on this.
Those who mobilised voters and invested personal funds, collapsed structures should be the first to be considered when opportunities arise. They should not be ignored in favour of individuals with elite surnames or family ties. That approach is dangerous and unsustainable.
The APC must be a party that honours merit, effort, and honesty. That is the only way we will continue to grow.
*TO MY PEOPLE, MY SUPPORTERS, AND TRUE PROGRESSIVES*
To my brothers and sisters across Edo, I say this. Stay focused. Do not be discouraged by political noise. Let us keep demanding fairness, transparency, and justice.
I joined the APC at the right time. I made sacrifices at the right time. I stood firm when it mattered most. I will not be silenced now.
Emma Iyase’s remarks are not just a personal attack. They represent a pattern of backward political behaviour that fears competence and despises accountability. But I will continue to speak, not for myself alone, but for every loyal party member who has been sidelined simply for not having a political godfather.
Let us rise above this decay. Let us build a party where the hard-working are recognised, where promises are kept, and where commitment is rewarded.
The truth is not blackmail. The truth is a mirror. And perhaps what unsettles you is the reflection staring back.
Long live Edo State.
Long live the APC.
Long live the Nigerian people who demand better and refuse to be silenced.
Signed,
Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie
Progressive Advocate | Political Strategist | APC Stakeholder
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