19 days before elections: Chief of Edo APC leaves the party

Barely nineteen days before the September 21 gubernatorial election, Emmanuel Agbaje, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and lawmaker who represented Akoko-Edo II from 2015 to 2023, has resigned from the party.

In a letter dated September 2, 2024, to the Chairman of his Ward 10 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Agbaje complained of alienation and alleged exclusion within the party and his Ward 10.

The letter states, in part: “This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration and consultation with my supporters and leaders. I believe this is the best course of action for me at this time.”

“Because democracy offers choices, I have the right to review my commitment and seek an alignment that recognizes loyalty, dedication and sacrifice. I can no longer tolerate the deliberate alienation and exclusion of key party supporters and leaders, particularly from our district.

“As a founding member of the party, it is a difficult decision considering the relationships that have been built within the party over the years and the feelings of good friends who may choose to stay. I assure you that our friendship and relationships will remain protected and shielded. Life outside politics is bigger.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and support during my time in the party. I have greatly valued our cooperation and shared commitment to the ideals of APCI and look forward to a continued robust relationship that benefits our people and communities.”

Agbaje was the only APC lawmaker in the state House of Representatives other than the 14 who were not sworn in in 2019 and who did not defect with Governor Godwin Obaseki from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2020 governorship election. It was reported that from that point until the end of his tenure, he was denied all entitlements as a lawmaker except his monthly salary.