A section of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, has called for the resignation of the party’s secretary in the state, Lawrence Okah.
The demand was made on the grounds of alleged favoritism and marginalisation in political appointments.
The group, which identified itself as Concerned APC Members in Oredo, accused Okah of directing most appointments and positions to his base in Ward 7, while the other 11 wards in the council were allegedly left out.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, the 18th of August, 2025, the coordinator of the group, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged that Okah had been using his position to ensure that “critical appointments in Ward 7 of Oredo Local Government Area” were secured, while other wards were excluded.
“Such actions are against the spirit and ideology of the APC, which is founded on fairness and inclusivity,” Osadiaye said.
He went on to list positions he claimed were influenced by the APC secretary in favour of Ward 7. These included the local government party chairman, the assistant treasurer, a member of the state House of Assembly, a slot in the Oil and Gas Commission, and two aides attached to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Osadiaye appealed to party stakeholders in Edo State to address the alleged imbalance.
He also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to guarantee fairness in upcoming appointments, especially with local government elections approaching.
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“This imbalance threatens the unity and growth of the APC in Oredo. We urge the governor to correct these injustices and ensure all wards are fairly represented,” he said.
Responding, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Uwadaie Igbinigie, dismissed the claims.
He insisted the allegations were false and without basis, describing them as “a foul cry far from reality.”
According to him, Okah had been inclusive in his role and could not be accused of concentrating positions in his ward. He added that many notable appointments from Oredo had gone to individuals outside Ward 7.
“The party secretary has been inclusive and carried everyone along, even within the state exco,” Igbinigie said.
He pointed to the Commissioner for Education, who is from Oredo but not Ward 7, as proof that the appointments had been spread across the council.