By DADA AYOKHAI
APC leaders in Owan West LGA have rejected former Deputy Governor Rev. Peter Obadan’s endorsement of Speaker Blessing Agbebaku for a third term in the Edo State House of Assembly, saying the area “has never had such a poor, abysmal and disappointing level of representation.”
The position was contained in a statement issued Friday and signed by Chairman of Chairmen Osumah Raymond, LGA Women Leader Ayeni Iyabo, LGA Chairman Frank David, and eight other members of the local party executive.
The leaders said Obadan’s call for Agbebaku to run unopposed was undemocratic and driven by parochial sentiment, and they rejected his appeal to adopt the speaker as the party’s sole candidate for next year’s election.
”We therefore state categorically that this appeal does not represent the position of Owan West APC Leadership and/or the collective will of the party in Owan West and must be utterly disregarded by all party faithful’s and stakeholders.
”As at today, Agbebaku’s actions and influence during the last governorship election reportedly led to the harassment, intimidation and assault of party members and loyalists in Owan West by himself and his associates. These incidents have not been addressed and have left lasting and indelible mark for the party to bear
”As at today, Agbebaku has not formally decamped and aligned with our party structure both at his Ward and Local Government levels.
Consequently, he is not recognized as a bona fide member of the party structure in Owan West.
”We therefore call on all stakeholders and the general public to disregard the appeal made by Rev. Obadan, as it lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the stance of the party in Owan West. We say a resounding NO to the endorsement of Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.”
Obadan had argued that Agbebaku deserved the ticket, citing his rapport with constituents, support for Owan indigenes within his capacity, and his inclusive style of politics.
He added that the speaker has kept the Assembly peaceful and maintained a good relationship with the executive.
“Blessing has kept the House of Assembly in peace as never before and has related very well with the executive. I am sure Governor Monday Okpebholo is proud of him, and we are proud of him,” Obadan said.
