APC Members has petitioned party leader over alleged imposition ahead of Esan North East LG Poll.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that a group of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State has raised the alarm over what it described as an attempt to subvert internal democracy ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
In a formal petition addressed to General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd.), leader of the APC in Edo Central Senatorial District made available to NewsOnline, the party members accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating an illegitimate process aimed at imposing an aspirant on the party.
According to the petition, an assembly of “friends and well-wishers” reportedly convened at a private residence last weekend, where they allegedly presented the gathering as an endorsement or anointment of a candidate for the forthcoming local government elections. The petitioners insisted that the meeting had no constitutional backing, legitimacy, or mandate from the APC and should not be construed as a party decision.
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They further alleged that the gathering was conducted under the presence of military personnel and heavily armed mobile police officers, a development they described as a troubling abuse of power. The group claimed that security operatives, who should be deployed to tackle insecurity and protect citizens, were instead used to intimidate party members and lend force to what they termed an “illegitimate political exercise.”
Describing the process as a deviation from democratic norms, the petitioners said a transparent and inclusive internal party process was replaced with coercion and intimidation. They categorically rejected both the process and any outcome arising from it.
The aggrieved APC members also raised concerns about loyalty and party discipline, warning against what they described as rewarding individuals who allegedly abandoned the party in the past, aligned with the opposition during the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki, and later returned to seek party tickets.
They expressed disappointment that some elders and leaders within the party allegedly endorsed or participated in the process, arguing that such actions undermine fairness, integrity, and the moral authority expected of party leadership.
While acknowledging that politics naturally produces winners, the group stressed that only candidates emerging from credible, transparent, and constitutionally recognised party processes can command legitimacy and acceptance among party faithful.
The petitioners called on General Esekhaigbe to immediately disavow the alleged gathering, reaffirm that the APC has not adopted or recognised any such endorsement, and ensure a return to due process, internal democracy, and respect for party structures ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
They concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the APC and its ideals, insisting that democracy must be built on consent, legitimacy, and service rather than force or imposition
