The All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly embroiled in internal conflict following what many within the party have described as a “show of shame” during the recent United States diaspora visit by its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The fallout from the outing has cast serious doubts on Okpebholo’s fitness for office, with a growing number of party leaders said to be voicing concerns over his suitability for office.
During the trip, Okpebholo was said to have stumbled through grammatical errors and intellectual missteps that have become fodder for critics. Insiders said his performance has been lambasted as subpar, with numerous gaffes highlighting his lack of preparedness and competence for the governorship role. The backlash within the APC has been swift and severe.
According to sources, prominent APC leaders, including a former governor, have privately lamented the quality of their candidate. They have not minced words, expressing disappointment over Okpebholo’s selection, and questioning the judgement of those who endorsed his candidacy. “We cannot afford to put forward a candidate who struggles with basic communication and displays a clear lack of intellectual rigor”, a top leader was quoted as saying. “It is a disservice to the people of Edo State”.
Despite the mounting criticism, some within the party have attempted to defend Okpebholo. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, reportedly a puppet master of Okpebholo, has maintained that the candidate had a good outing in US, arguing that his tour was successful in terms of outreach and engagement.
In stark contrast, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Asue Ighodalo continues to demonstrate his robust experience and superior capacity for leadership. His recent engagements, on the domestic and international fronts, have been marked by articulate presentations and a clear, strategic vision for the state. His intellectual acumen and policy insights have set a high bar, leaving many to draw comparisons with Okpebholo.
Ighodalo’s track record of excellence and ability to engage thoughtfully on complex issues have only amplified the APC’s internal strife over Okpebholo’s candidacy. As the election draws near, the contrast between the two candidates becomes increasingly stark, with Ighodalo’s proven capabilities overshadowing Okpebholo’s glaring weaknesses.
The APC’s internal conflicts are a reflection of deeper issues within the party, as it grapples with the consequences of nominating a candidate who many believe is unfit for the governorship. As the debate continues, the people of Edo State watch closely, weighing the merits of each candidate’s qualifications and readiness to lead.
