A pressure group, Ogbakha-Edo has warned against political subjugation in Edo South Senatorial District by imposing Candidates aligned with external interests, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also warned against imposing a predetermined aspirant irrespective of popularity, due process, or the will of Edo South All Progressives Congress members in clear violation of established rules.
Addressing the media, the Chairman of Ogbakha-Edo, Professor Sam Guobadia, stated that any attempt by a group of persons or individual to make Edo people to play a second fiddle in terms of representation
will have a “far-reaching implications for the broader populace”.
“While we acknowledge that the selection of candidates is primarily an internal affair of political parties, and while reaffirming that Ogbakha-Edo is a non-political and non-partisan organisation, we must state unequivocally that this matter is of grave concern.”
‘We note with strong displeasure that even the contemplation of such interference constitutes not only a violation of the rights and privileges of Edo South APC members, but also an affront to the dignity of Edo South people generally, and the Benin people in particular.”
“More troubling is the reported attempt to ‘gift’ the Edo South Senatorial ticket to a preferred aspirant as a concession to a godfather from outside the state.”
Accordingly, Ogbakha-Edo rejects “the disingenuous argument being circulated by proponents of this alleged agenda that any selected candidate would still emerge from Edo South.
“Beyond the fundamental issue that such a process would lack democratic legitimacy, it sets a dangerous precedent where the electorate is disregarded in favour of imposed outcomes. Representation must derive from the people’s mandate, not from orchestrated arrangements.
The group argues that these allegations are mere rumours—”an outcome we would sincerely prefer—we cannot ignore certain public statements from party leadership circles which suggest the possibility of a predetermined agenda.
“These statements, when critically examined, reveal undertones of undue influence, coercion, and the potential manipulation of party processes to achieve a desired outcome”.
“The decision as to who represents Edo South APC in the Senate rests solely with the members of the party in the district. Any attempt to undermine this democratic right will be firmly resisted with equal determination”, according to the group.
