….Cites Lack of Internal Democracy
A wave of defections has hit the All Progressives Congress in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, as several party members, including top stakeholders, have dumped the party over alleged lack of internal democracy.
Leading the latest round of resignations is a former Director-General of the Akpatason Campaign Organisation in the 2023 House of Representatives election, Hon. Henry Ola Ekundayo.
Ekundayo’s exit is considered a major setback for the party in the area, given his strategic role during the last general elections.
Other members who have also reportedly resigned from the APC include Juliet Perebo, Hon. Sunday Afowosoro, Ms. Judith Ife, and Nelson Ayodele. The defectors are said to have joined the African Democratic Congress, with indications that more members may follow suit in the coming days.
The development has heightened concerns about internal cohesion within the party, as the aggrieved members cited lack of transparency, exclusion, and alleged imposition of candidates during the recent primary elections as reasons for their decision.
According to them, loyal party members who contributed to the growth of the APC were sidelined, while individuals with financial influence were allegedly favoured in the allocation of party tickets.
They further alleged that grassroots members were no longer carried along in decision-making processes, accusing some leaders of prioritising personal interests over party unity and fairness.
One of the resignation letters obtained by our correspondent was written by Mr. Obayayi Shedrack Ojo of Unit 03, Ward 03, Lampese.
In the letter dated July 14, 2026, Ojo said he took the decision after consultations with his family and supporters.
He stated, “After several sleepless nights and wide consultations, I have come to the conclusion that internal democracy in APC Akoko-Edo exists only in theory. Fairness, transparency, and inclusion have become mere slogans.”
In a satirical remark, he likened the party to “a private WhatsApp group where major decisions are taken by a select few,” adding that he joined the APC to contribute meaningfully, not to endorse decisions made without the input of ordinary members.
Similarly, another party member, Mr. Vincent Friday, popularly known as CSO, in a resignation letter dated July 14, 2026, announced his decision to quit the party.
Addressing his letter to the APC Ward Chairman, Friday said his decision was based on personal reasons.
“I hereby tender my resignation as a member of the APC. I appreciate the opportunity given to me to serve and request that my name be removed from the party register,” he stated.
The series of defections has sparked fears of a deepening crisis within the APC in Akoko-Edo, with political observers warning that continued loss of key members could weaken the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership in the area had yet to officially respond to the resignations or the allegations raised by the former members.
Observers say the situation may worsen if urgent reconciliation efforts are not initiated, as more members are reportedly considering leaving the party.