AN APPEAL FOR FAIRNESS, EQUITY AND POLITICAL BALANCE
The recent developments in the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, August 17, 2026, have understandably generated concerns among stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly across Edo Central Senatorial District and, more importantly, in Esan West Local Government Area.
Following the resignation of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiayi as the new Speaker, the leadership of our great party, the APC, also communicated a decision to replace the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, representing Esan West Constituency, with Hon. Sunny Ojiezele from Esan South-East.
While we respect the authority of the party and the leadership of the House to make decisions in the interest of the party and the state, this particular development has raised genuine questions among APC youths and stakeholders in Edo Central. Our concern is not intended to challenge the authority of our leaders, but to respectfully draw their attention to the implications of this decision.
The question many are asking is straightforward: Why should the Majority Leader position be taken away from Esan West at a time when the constituency has remained a strong pillar of support for the APC and the present administration in Edo State? This question deserves sincere consideration, particularly in the interest of fairness, equity and continued party loyalty.
Esan West has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the growth and success of the APC. The people of the constituency have supported the party through challenging political moments and have remained an important part of the party’s political structure in Edo State. Such commitment should not be overlooked when important political positions are being distributed.
Of particular concern is that, as things stand today, Esan West does not appear to have any major political position commensurate with its contributions and political relevance within the state. Removing the position of Majority Leader from the constituency without an alternative form of political recognition could understandably create a feeling of marginalisation among the people.
We wish to make it clear that this appeal is not against Hon. Sunny Ojiezele, the good people of Esan South-East, or any other individual or constituency. We respect all our brothers and sisters across Edo Central. Our position is simply that political fairness requires that every constituency that has contributed to the strength of the party should be given adequate recognition and consideration.
We therefore respectfully appeal to His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State to reconsider the decision and allow the position of Majority Leader to remain with Esan West Constituency. We believe that retaining the position in Esan West will promote a stronger sense of belonging and confidence among party members in the area.
Beyond the immediate political consideration, there is also a broader strategic reason for this appeal. The APC in Edo State has expressed its ambition to secure 2.5 million votes for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2027 general election. Such an ambitious target can only be achieved through a united, motivated and adequately represented party structure across all constituencies.
Esan West has an important role to play in achieving that objective. A constituency that feels recognised, respected and fairly treated will be more motivated to mobilise its people and work tirelessly for the success of the party. Retaining the Majority Leader position in Esan West can therefore serve as an important confidence-building measure ahead of the 2027 elections.
We believe that political appointments and leadership positions should not only be viewed from the perspective of immediate political calculations, but also from the standpoint of sustaining loyalty and strengthening the party’s grassroots structure. The APC needs every ward, local government and constituency to feel valued if the party is serious about achieving its electoral targets in 2027.
We therefore urge our leaders to look beyond individual interests and consider the larger interest of the APC in Edo State. The strength of a political party is built on trust, fairness, consultation and the confidence of its members. Where members believe that their sacrifices and loyalty are appreciated, they are more willing to give even greater support to the party.
Our appeal is consequently one for justice, equity, fairness and political inclusion, and not a call for division. We believe that Esan South-East can continue to receive meaningful representation while Esan West retains the Majority Leader position. There is enough room within the political structure of our party for every constituency to be recognised and accommodated.
We therefore respectfully call on His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, the leadership of the APC, and all relevant stakeholders to reconsider this decision and allow the office of Majority Leader to remain in Esan West, Ekpoma. Such a decision would demonstrate that the APC values loyalty and contribution while also strengthening unity within Edo Central and the state at large.
As concerned APC youths from Edo Central, we remain committed to the unity, growth, and success of our great party. We believe that a fair and inclusive political structure will strengthen the APC’s chances of achieving its 2027 electoral objectives, including the proposed 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Edo State.
Esan West has supported the APC. Esan West deserves fair consideration. Let the Majority Leader remain in Esan West for a stronger, more united, and victorious APC in 2027.
Signed:
Concerned Edo Central APC Youth
