To:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja
From:Concerned Members of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Edo South
Date:May 18, 2026
Subject:Urgent Call to Uphold Peace and Due Process in the Edo South APC Senatorial Primary
Your Excellency
We write as loyal members of the All Progressives Congress from Edo South Senatorial District to draw your attention to troubling developments surrounding the ongoing APC Senatorial Primary.
What should ordinarily be an internal democratic contest is gradually being overshadowed by intimidation, threats, and unnecessary tension. Reports from across the district indicate that hoodlums and political thugs, allegedly operating under the guise of the Edo State Security Network (ESN), are being used to harass and intimidate supporters of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for simply participating in a legitimate party process.
This is unfortunate and inconsistent with the democratic ideals of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda under your leadership.
Our Position
1. We Choose Peace Over Violence
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has directed all supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. Our people have been instructed not to fight anybody or engage in violence under any circumstance. If the process degenerates into violence, members should withdraw immediately and prioritize their safety. No political ambition is worth the life of any Edo son or daughter.
2. We Alert the Party Leadership
We use this opportunity to alert you that an internal party process is being pushed toward a war-like situation where opposing opinions are being targeted for destruction. This undermines the credibility of the APC and the confidence of ordinary members.
3. We Will Not Be Bullied Out of the Party or Our Home
All threats and warnings for us to withdraw will not work. Our commitment is to our people and to the APC we helped build from 2013. We are not leaving the party, and we are not leaving our home. We are pursuing our aspiration with courage, conviction, and principle- within the rules of the party and on the democratic field of ideas and votes.
4. Let the Process Be Free and Fair
It is better to go to the field and slog it out democratically than to back out because of threats. The Edo South APC has enough space for all aspirants. Internal party competition should strengthen the party, not break it. A democratic party should not be afraid of contestation.
We are aware that the state government has allegedly deployed its entire structures in support of a preferred aspirant, including individuals nominated to conduct the primary across the wards. Ordinarily, with such advantage already in place, one would expect confidence in a transparent contest rather than attempts to intimidate perceived opponents.
Our Appeal
We respectfully appeal to you, President Bola Tinubu, as the leader of the party:
– To speak with the Governor of Edo State, Gov. Monday Okpebholo, and urge him to de-escalate the situation and call all parties to order.
– To direct the APC National Working Committee, under the leadership of National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to ensure a transparent, rule-based primary process in Edo South.
– To deploy security personnel to the primary venue to prevent violence and intimidation.
Conclusion
The APC cannot afford another avoidable crisis in Edo State. If we allow threats and violence to define this primary, we risk handing the State to the opposition in 2027.
We trust that your timely intervention will preserve the integrity of the process and protect the lives of our members.
LET DEMOCRACY PREVAIL!
Signed,
For and on behalf of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organization
Mr. Chris Azebamwen