“Empowering Choice: Afegbua Affirms Okpebholo’s Right to Support APC Aspirants for 2027”
The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, articulated that Governor Monday Okpebholo possesses the undeniable right to endorse candidates aspiring to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections within the state.
Prince Afegbua conveyed this on Monday, April 27, 2026, while addressing queries at a press briefing in Benin.
NAIJATAB reports that members of the APC, particularly supporters of certain aspirants aiming for State and National Assembly positions, have claimed that the state governor has favored specific candidates he wishes to see emerge in the party’s primary elections set for next month.
They asserted that the governor is behind the ambitions of several political appointees who have stepped down from his administration.
The supporters cited some of the purported favored aspirants as Dr Paddy Iyamu, the previous Commissioner for Education, vying for Oredo Federal Constituency; Dr Washighton Osifo, former Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, who is seeking the Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency; and Andrew Ijegbai, ex-Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, for Owan Federal Constituency.
Also referenced was Dr Lucky Eseigbe, former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, among others.
Addressing the allegations, Afegbua remarked that as the party leader in the state, the governor possesses the undeniable right to support any candidate for nomination and to secure election victory.
He, however, insisted that despite this authority, the governor would not force any candidate upon the populace.
“Regarding the politics of endorsements or similar matters, the governor has the undeniable right to back an aspirant or a candidate.
“This right is termed undeniable because it cannot be taken away. How he chooses to wield those rights is solely his prerogative as the party leader in the state.
“This governor exhibits great generosity concerning political matters. He fosters the exchange of ideas. He encourages ample consultations. He promotes vigorous discussions prior to any decisions being reached. He does not engage in imposing individuals on the electorate.
“We will evaluate what is most beneficial for each senatorial district, what is most appropriate for every circumstance we encounter, and we will strive to maintain unity in making a decision that will propel the party to success come 2027.
“Thus, I will not presume to articulate the governor’s thoughts. He is the leader of the party, yet I can assure you that there will be a collaborative decision-making process rather than a selective one,” he stated.
