In a significant political development in Edo State, former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged interference, marginalization, and anti-democratic practices within the party.
Agbonayinma, who represented Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency between 2015 and 2019, announced his departure from the APC on Wednesday in Benin City, accusing party leaders of monopolizing party activities and dictating local political affairs.
He expressed particular discontent over the influence of figures outside his constituency, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a senatorial aspirant for Edo South, who he claimed were interfering in decisions affecting his Ikpoba-Okha Ward 6.
“It is painful that people who are not from my local government area are now dictating what happens in Ikpoba-Okha. I cannot remain in a party where politicians who worked against us in previous elections are now calling the shots,” Agbonayinma said.
In a letter of resignation addressed to the Ikpoba-Okha Ward 7 APC Chairman, he described the party’s shift as deeply distressing. “As a foundation member from the days of AC, ACN, ACD, and now APC, we worked diligently to build an inclusive democratic institution. It is therefore disheartening to witness our party gradually becoming the property of one or a few individuals unnecessarily interfering in political providence of the party in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government,” he wrote.
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Agbonayinma also criticized the distribution of federal appointments within the state, alleging that Edo South, despite its contributions, had been systematically sidelined in favor of Edo North. He cited multiple ambassadorial appointments and leadership positions in key federal agencies and commissions that he claimed were disproportionately awarded to Edo North, leaving Edo South marginalized.
“We, in Edo South, laid the golden eggs. Yet positions like ambassadorial appointments, executive director roles in the South-South Development Commission, and leadership in the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority are all domiciled in Edo North,” he said.
He further recounted his frustrations with the party’s internal candidate selection processes, claiming that recommendations from his ward were ignored or overridden, while interventions by outsiders were given preference.
He also lamented being denied a potential appointment as acting Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, a development he attributed to interference by party leaders.
“If as a leader I cannot empower my people and give them opportunities, then what am I a leader for?” Agbonayinma questioned. “Ikpoba-Okha is being made for others, not for us. I cannot continue in a party that has no respect for its foundational members and does not operate democratically.”
Political analysts say Agbonayinma’s resignation highlights growing internal tensions within the APC in Edo State and could have broader implications ahead of upcoming elections.