A group of party members, Concerned Ovia North-East Voice, has raised concerns over what it described as the imposition of a non-indigene and non-party member to contest as chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The members alleged that the move was being orchestrated by former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen, who they claimed was attempting to position Christopher Eriamatoe for the role.
In a letter addressed to Monday Okpebholo, signed by Lugard Iyenoma, and shared with journalists in Benin City, the group urged the governor to intervene to halt the alleged plan.
The letter stated, “Mr. Christopher Eriamatoe is not a member of our great party, and as such, cannot be given such a vital position in the local government area where he once worked against us as media agent to the former Governor Godwin Obaseki in the election that brought you in as the state governor.”
The group argued that imposing an opposition member due to a “maternal relationship” was unacceptable, undermining party unity and sidelining qualified indigenes. “It weakens cohesion and undermines the principle of local representation, which you advocate and stand for,” the letter added.
They further warned that such a development could reduce confidence among party members and youths regarding the fairness of the current administration. “Our ward leaders and youths who make up the local government have already raised concerns. Placing an outsider risks eroding confidence in the government’s fairness in Ovia,” the group stated.
Responding, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Peter Uwadaie, dismissed the allegations as speculative. He said the issue of candidacy had not yet arisen and that primaries would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
“APC is built on unity and cohesion, and we will maintain the status quo while following our constitutional process. At the appropriate time, primaries will be conducted, and the winner will be the party’s candidate. There is no imposition; their action has no bearing on what APC represents in Edo State,” Uwadaie said.
