BENIN CITY –In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Edo State, high-profile chieftain and leading aspirant for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, has officially resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Standard Daily Press can report authoritatively.
The former federal lawmaker, a foundational pillar of the party since its AC and ACN iterations, announced his departure on Wednesday, citing a toxic internal culture characterized by “anti-democratic tendencies” and the systematic marginalization of loyal stakeholders.
The Breaking Point: Marginalization and Executive Silence
Reliable sources close to the lawmaker reveal that the resignation is deeply rooted in a sense of betrayal regarding the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Despite Hon. Agbonayinma’s documented tremendous contributions and strategic mobilization that secured victory for the Governor in the last election, there are mounting allegations that his efforts have been met with cold indifference.
Sources indicate that the Governor has allegedly refused to recognize Agbonayinma’s standing as a frontline aspirant for next year’s House of Representatives election.
The tension reportedly reached a boiling point when the party leadership allegedly blocked the former lawmaker from having a say in the selection of ordinary councillorship candidates within his own constituency—a move viewed as a direct affront to his political leadership and grassroots influence in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha.
A Property of a Few Individuals
In a pointed resignation statement, Hon. Agbonayinma did not mince words regarding the current state of the APC in Edo.
”It is deeply distressing to witness the party in our dear constituency gradually becoming the property of one or a few individuals who are unnecessarily and undemocratically interfering in the political providence of the party,” Agbonayinma stated.
He further described his exit as a “difficult but inevitable step,” necessitated by a need to align with his personal convictions and his vision for purposeful service to his people.
Implications for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha
As a heavyweight in the federal constituency, Agbonayinma’s exit leaves a significant vacuum in the APC’s local structure. His departure is seen as a major blow to the party’s unity, particularly as it prepares for upcoming legislative contests.
While the lawmaker expressed his continued respect for the State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and other sincere individuals within the party, his exit signals a growing rift between the party’s grassroots generals and the executive leadership in the state.
What’s Next?
Political observers in Benin City are closely watching Agbonayinma’s next move.
Although he has not yet announced a new political home, his statement emphasized that his commitment to the strengthening of democracy and the service of Edo State remains unwavering.
As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to take shape, the departure of a foundation member of Agbonayinma’s caliber suggests that the foundation of the APC in Edo State may be facing its most significant internal test yet.