The re-elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has said the party is positioning itself to deliver 3.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In an interview, Tenebe dismissed reports suggesting a rift between him and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the party leadership in the state remains united.
According to him, the leader of the APC in Edo State is the governor, Monday Okpebholo, adding that claims of a strained relationship between him and Oshiomhole are untrue.
Speaking on preparations for the party’s upcoming congresses, Tenebe said there are no divisions within the party.
“The leader of the party in Edo is the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The insinuation that Senator Oshiomhole and I are not working together is false.
“The only disagreement we had was during the primaries. I insisted on due process and stood my ground until it was done properly. After the primaries, we closed ranks, campaigned together and won the election. Since then, we have been working harmoniously. There are no cracks in the party.
“I have been acting chairman and I do not see the party replacing a winning team. We fought to ensure we produced a good governor. Now, our duty is to support him to succeed. As chairman, it is my responsibility to defend and support the governor to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Elections are not individual projects; they are party-driven. The manifesto we presented to Edo people must be implemented. If supporting the governor offends anyone, so be it.
“On the coming congress, it will be seamless. After that, we will have the national convention, and the APC will emerge stronger. In Edo, consultations have been concluded. I have the endorsement to continue, and our relationship with Senator Oshiomhole remains cordial. He is a respected leader of the party in the state.”
Addressing complaints by some party members who claim they have been sidelined after contributing to the party’s electoral victory, Tenebe said no one is being deliberately excluded.
“I do not see anyone being deliberately sidelined. Politics is dynamic. Some people campaigned against us during the election but have now chosen to work with the governor. It would be unwise to reject them if they are ready to contribute positively.
“Governor Okpebholo was chosen because he is not controversial and has no entrenched political enemies. We believed he would unite Edo State, and that is what he is doing. Governance must not be slowed by vendetta or political payback.
“Our focus is to bring everyone together for the progress of the state. Politics should not be about bitterness. After elections, we must move forward.”
On the feasibility of delivering 3.5 million votes to President Tinubu in the next presidential election, Tenebe said the target is achievable.
“It is very feasible. We have carried out voter analysis and discovered that Edo has about three million registered voters. Many of them reside outside the state.
“I have been touring other states to engage Edo people who registered at home, urging them to return during elections. We are working on logistics to assist those willing to come back and exercise their civic rights.
“We are also engaging Labour Party and PDP structures at the local government level. Several of their chairmen have indicated interest in joining the APC. The opposition in Edo is already weakened.
“We are serious about the 3.5 million votes. In fact, we could surpass that figure. During the last presidential election, we did not secure 25 per cent for the President in Edo. We intend to correct that in 2027.
“We are mobilising, encouraging voter registration and strengthening party structures. The target is achievable.”
Responding to criticisms that assisting supporters with logistics could amount to inducement, Tenebe maintained that political mobilisation is legitimate.
“Mobilising supporters is not vote buying. Campaigning involves engagement and encouragement. If people are registered in Edo and choose to return home to vote, that is their civic right.
“We are building structures and motivating our supporters. That is legitimate political mobilisation.”
He also dismissed concerns that the movement of opposition members into the APC could weaken democracy.
“It is not the responsibility of the ruling party to sustain the opposition. The constitution guarantees freedom of association. If individuals or parties choose to join the APC, we will welcome them.
“The opposition must make itself attractive and formidable. If people abandon them, it is not our fault. Politics is about persuasion and performance.”
Reacting to allegations that defections are being driven by inducement or underhanded tactics, Tenebe said politicians often make decisions based on prevailing political realities.
“I disagree. Politicians assess political realities. Many are aligning with the APC because they believe in the direction of the President and the prospects of the party.
“Defection is not new in Nigerian politics. It happens across party lines. It is a matter of conviction and political calculation.”
On concerns about hunger and economic hardship in the country, Tenebe acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about improvement.
“Economic hardship is real, but there are signs of improvement. Food prices are gradually stabilising. The President inherited serious structural challenges, including insecurity that disrupted farming activities.
“Security issues predate this administration. However, the government is tackling them decisively. As security improves, agricultural productivity will increase and food supply will stabilise further.
“The President has a clear direction. Reforms are painful but necessary. Over time, Nigerians will see the benefits.”
Clarifying his earlier comments on insecurity, Tenebe said the problem developed over several years and cannot be blamed solely on the current administration.
“Insecurity evolved over time due to multiple factors, including regional instability and policy decisions of previous governments. It cannot be blamed solely on the current administration.
“The important thing is that the present government is addressing it head-on, strengthening security architecture and restoring confidence.”
