Edo State: APC Chieftain Exits Party Amid Election Preparations

With only nineteen days left before the September 21st governorship election, Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II from 2015 to 2023, has announced his resignation from the party.

In his resignation letter, dated September 2, 2024, Agbaje addressed his decision to the chairman of Ward 10 in the Akoko-Edo local government area. He expressed his frustration over feeling excluded and sidelined by both the party and his local ward.

Agbaje’s letter explains, “This decision has not been made lightly. After much reflection and consultation with my supporters and fellow leaders, I believe this is the best course of action for me at this time.” He went on to emphasize that democracy offers choices, and he has decided to seek an alignment that recognizes and values loyalty, dedication, and the sacrifices made by party members. He could no longer accept the intentional exclusion and marginalization of core party members and leaders, particularly those from his Ward.

In his letter, Agbaje also highlighted the personal difficulty of this decision, given his long-standing involvement with the APC and the friendships he has developed within the party. Despite his departure, he reassured his colleagues that these relationships would remain intact and unaffected by his resignation. He remarked, “Life outside politics is broader and offers new opportunities for growth and engagement.”

Agbaje took the opportunity to thank the chairman and other party members for their support during his tenure. He appreciated their leadership and the collaborative efforts to uphold the party’s ideals. He expressed his hope for a continued robust relationship that would benefit their communities, even as he moves on from active party politics.

During his time in the state House of Assembly, Agbaje was notable for being the only APC lawmaker who did not defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020. It has been reported that from that time until the end of his term, Agbaje faced significant challenges, including the denial of all entitlements typically provided to lawmakers, aside from his monthly salary.