A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State has demanded the resignation of the state party’s secretary, Lawrence Okah, over allegations of marginalisation and favoritism in political appointments.
The group, under the aegis of Concerned APC Members in Oredo, accused Okah of allegedly concentrating most political positions and appointments in his Ward 7, and sidelining the remaining 11 wards in the council.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City on Monday, the group’s coordinator, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged that Okah had used his influence to covet not just key positions within the party and state government but also disproportionately allocated to his ward only.
“Lawrence Okah has concentrated critical appointments in Ward 7 of Oredo Local Government Area, leaving other wards grossly underrepresented. Such actions are against the spirit and ideology of the APC, which is founded on fairness and inclusivity,” Osadiaye said.
He further listed positions he claimed were influenced by the APC secretary to his ward, including the local government party chairman, assistant treasurer, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, a representative in the Oil and Gas Commission, and two special assistants to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, among others.
Osadiaye called on APC leaders across Edo State to intervene and restore balance in the party’s structure within Oredo. He also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure fairness in future political appointments, particularly ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
“This imbalance threatens the unity and growth of the APC in Oredo. We urge the governor to correct these injustices and ensure all wards are fairly represented,” he said.
Meanwhile, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Uwadaie Igbinigie, has dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading.
According to Igbinigie, Okah had been fair in distributing opportunities across Oredo and could not be accused of favoritism.
“The claims are a foul cry far from reality. Several prominent appointments from Oredo are not from Ward 7. The party secretary has been inclusive and carried everyone along, even within the state exco,” he countered.
He mentioned the Commissioner for Education, who hails from Oredo but not from Ward 7, as evidence of equitable distribution.
