Edo APC Chairman, Spokesperson Face Arrest Over Alleged Threat to Rep’s Life

The political turmoil within the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated as a member of the House of Representatives, Billy Osawaru, has requested the arrest and prosecution of the state chairman and publicity secretary of the party, Jarrett Tenebe and Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, respectively, over an alleged threat to his life and that of his family.

The federal lawmaker’s petition, dated February 27, 2024 and titled ‘Complaints: Harassment and threat to life,’ was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The petition was also copied to the Commissioner of Police Edo State, Director General Department of State Services (DSS) Abuja, and the National Security Adviser, Abuja.

According to the petition, the threat to the life of Rep. Osawaru and his family is a result of the just-concluded Edo State Governorship primaries of the APC.

The lawmaker, who represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency, alleged that the harassment and threats were being perpetrated by Tenebe and Uwadiae-Igbinigie.

In response to the petition, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae, said it should be ignored.

When asked if he had been invited by the police, he stated that he had not been invited and would not be invited.

The crisis in the Edo State chapter of the APC began after the outcome of the governorship primaries conducted on February 17 and 22, 2024, which had factionalized the party’s leadership in the state.

The chairman of the first primary, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, declared Dennis Idahosa as the winner; the chief returning officer of the primary, Dr. Stanley Ugboaja Uzoamaka, declared that Senator Monday Okpebholo won; and Ojo Babatunde, the returning officer for Etsako Central Local Government Area, declared Anamero Dekeri Sunday as the APC gubernatorial candidate.

Due to the inconclusive nature of the February 17 primary, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party declared the exercise inconclusive and fixed February 22 for the completion of the primary. After the February 22 primary, the governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governorship candidate of the party.

With the escalating tensions and allegations of threats to life, the situation in the Edo State chapter of the APC remains uncertain.

The outcome of the petition and possible arrest of the state chairman and spokesperson could have significant implications for the party’s stability and future prospects in the state.