By joshua 
No Rift With Oshiomhole; Says Tenebe
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has firmly declared that Governor Monday Okpebholo is the undisputed leader of the party in the state, dismissing claims of internal division and speculation of a rift between himself and former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Tenebe described reports of tension within the Edo APC leadership as baseless and misleading, stressing that the party remains united and focused on governance and future electoral victories.
The party chairman stated this in Benin city while speaking to Nigerian Post on the state of the party in Edo state.
According to him, any attempt to suggest cracks within the party leadership was a distortion of reality.
“The leader of the APC in Edo State is the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo. There have been insinuations that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and I are not working together, but that is very far from the truth.”
Tenebe acknowledged that disagreements arose during the 2024 party’s primary elections but insisted such differences were short lived and healthy for internal democracy.
He explained that once the primaries were concluded, all stakeholders closed ranks to ensure victory at the polls.
“The only disagreement we ever had was during the primaries when I stood on doing the right thing. After that, we campaigned together, we won together, and since then we have continued to work together seamlessly. There are absolutely no cracks on the wall,” he stated.
Addressing speculation that powerful interests within the party were plotting to block his confirmation as substantive chairman at the party’s convention later this year, Tenebe expressed confidence that continuity would prevail.
Tenebe stated that he is optimistic because we are a winning team. The party will not change a team that delivered success adding that the priority of the APC leadership is to support Governor Okpebholo in delivering good governance and fulfilling campaign promises to the people of Edo State.
He also dismissed allegations that loyal party members had been sidelined since the election, arguing that inclusiveness is essential for stability and development.
According to him, No one has been shut out. Politics is about growth and reconciliation. Someone who opposed you yesterday but decides to join you today should not be rejected. That is how you build a strong and progressive party,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, the APC chairman revealed that the party has begun aggressive mobilisation efforts, targeting 3.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Edo State.
He disclosed that the party is reaching out to Edo indigenes living outside the state and making logistical arrangements to ensure their participation in the election.
“We are serious about delivering results in 2027, and we are confident we can even exceed that target,” he added.
Tenebe further claimed that opposition parties in the state were rapidly losing ground, with several structures already defecting to the APC.
According to him, chairmen from 16 local government areas under the PDP and Labour Party are aligning with the ruling party.
Responding to concerns that mass defections could weaken democratic competition, Tenebe maintained that sustaining the opposition was not the responsibility of the APC.
He stated that The constitution guarantees freedom of association. Anyone who chooses to join our party is welcome,” he concluded.