BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has regained control of its secretariat at 59 Airport Road, Benin City, ending a four-year struggle with the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, over the property.
The secretariat had been under PDP control since 2021, following a contentious takeover allegedly orchestrated by then-Governor Godwin Obaseki after his defection to the PDP.
Addressing the media, APC State Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe hailed the development as the fulfillment of his pledge to restore the party’s rightful properties and position in the state.
“This secretariat has always been the APC’s office. We renewed the rent for seven years before it was unlawfully taken from us by the PDP, with the support of the previous administration,” Tenebe said.
“Today, justice has been served, and we are taking back what rightfully belongs to the APC.”
Allegations of Unlawful Takeover
Recounting the events, Tenebe accused Obaseki of using state resources to evict APC members from the secretariat, confiscating party assets, including vehicles.
“Despite a directive from the Inspector General of Police at the time for us to reclaim the property, the then-Commissioner of Police, acting on orders from Governor Obaseki, blocked our efforts,” he stated.
Tenebe assumed leadership of the APC in Edo State with a promise to address these injustices.
He highlighted the party’s recent gubernatorial victory with Senator Monday Okpebholo as a pivotal moment in reclaiming Edo for the APC.
“With the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor, we fulfilled the first promise. Today, we fulfill the second by reclaiming our secretariat,” he declared.
Reclaiming and Remodelling
The APC’s takeover was marked by the allocation of offices and plans to remodel the building in party colours.
Tenebe assured members that the secretariat would function as the APC’s operational headquarters, vowing to resist any attempts to dislodge the party from the property.
“We will ensure this secretariat is remodeled and functions fully as the APC’s operational headquarters. No one will displace us again,” he said emphatically.
Law Enforcement Oversight
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ben Abang, visited the premises with senior officers to monitor the process and engage with APC executives.
The presence of law enforcement underscored the sensitivity of the reclaiming effort, ensuring order was maintained.
Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was present during the takeover, was escorted from the premises by Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
A New Chapter for APC
With the secretariat back under its control, the APC appears poised for a renewed era of leadership and organization in Edo State.
The development solidifies the party’s position following its recent electoral victory and signals a shift in the political dynamics of the state.
“This is a victory for justice and the APC,” Tenebe concluded. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Edo State and our determination to lead with integrity and purpose.”