Edo (Benin City) The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has revealed that the party allowed its local government area (LGA) candidates to participate in the 2023 LGA election despite what he described as clear attempts by the then-ruling government to compromise the process. He emphasized that the decision was deliberate, aiming to build groundwork ahead of the 2024 governorship election.

Speaking at the party secretariat on August 26, 2025, Tenebe commended the candidates for their “determination, confidence, and belief in the party,” especially given the APC’s position as opposition at the time. He credited their participation with mobilizing support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, who later won the 2024 governorship race.

Tenebe stated:

“Consultations began with party leaders and we all later agreed that the party should contest that election, which was keenly contested… You campaigned vigorously for Senator Monday Okpebholo to win the governorship election in the state.”

On behalf of the former candidates, Enahoro Aikpokpo expressed that they contested under difficult conditions to keep the party alive amid intimidation and setbacks. They appealed to the party to prioritize them in upcoming LGA elections, requesting the “right of first refusal.”