Monday Okpebholo is reportedly facing mounting political pressure from stakeholders aligned with Nyesom Wike over the battle for the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Edo South senatorial constituency.
At the centre of the unfolding contest is an alleged push to secure the party’s ticket for Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a longtime ally of Wike.
The move is said to be directly challenging the ambition of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is also seeking the same ticket.
Sources familiar with internal party discussions disclosed that Ize-Iyamu had secured what many insiders described as a gentleman’s understanding with Governor Okpebholo to support his senatorial ambition.
The understanding was reportedly built on Ize-Iyamu’s role in Okpebholo’s emergence during the 2024 Edo governorship race.
Political insiders noted that Ize-Iyamu was among the earliest major governorship aspirants to step down from the APC contest after alleged signals from the presidency that power should shift to Edo Central.
His decision to collapse his political structure in support of Okpebholo is believed to have significantly boosted the governor’s momentum and weakened the influence of Adams Oshiomhole, who was reportedly backing the current deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa.
However, the political landscape is said to have shifted following renewed interest in the seat by forces loyal to Wike.
These stakeholders are reportedly mobilising support for Ogbeide-Ihama, creating fresh tension within Edo APC circles.
Sources claimed that Governor Okpebholo has become increasingly cautious, with concerns that openly backing Ize-Iyamu could strain his relationship with Wike.
Wike’s political influence within the APC has reportedly grown substantially since strengthening ties with Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the 2023 general elections.
The development is believed to be intensifying political anxiety within Edo South, widely regarded as the state’s most significant voting bloc.
Despite the pressure, there are indications that the presidency may still favour Ize-Iyamu due to his longstanding political relationship with Tinubu dating back to their days in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.
Faced with the competing interests, Okpebholo is reportedly considering direct primaries as a possible neutral pathway to resolve the brewing confrontation.
However, sources within Ize-Iyamu’s camp are said to be wary of any primary process not conducted by officials considered neutral and independent.
While Ogbeide-Ihama is regarded as a formidable political figure within Oredo Federal Constituency, many stakeholders believe Ize-Iyamu’s broader grassroots network across Edo South gives him a stronger advantage in any transparent open contest.
Political observers say the battle may emerge as one of the defining internal APC struggles in Edo State ahead of 2027.
Attention is now focused on whether Okpebholo will align with what insiders describe as the presidency’s preference for direct primaries or yield to growing pressure from Wike’s camp.
What You Should Know
The Edo South senatorial battle is more than a constituency contest. It reflects a larger struggle over political influence within Edo APC ahead of 2027.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu represents established APC structures with longstanding ties to Tinubu, while Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama’s reported backing by Wike-aligned stakeholders signals expanding external influence within the party.
Governor Okpebholo’s handling of this contest could shape his political standing, determine future alliances, and affect broader power negotiations within Edo’s ruling political structure as the next election cycle approaches.
