The re-elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, during an interview with The Vanguard, has stated that the party remains on track to deliver 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In the interview, he denied claims of a rift with the former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, asserted that the opposition’s struggles were not APC’s concern, and defended the Federal Government’s economic and security policies.
When asked about his expectations for the APC congresses in Edo State amid reports of tension between him and Oshiomhole, Tenebe addressed the issue, dismissing suggestions of a strained relationship.
He said, “The leader of the party in Edo is the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The insinuation that Senator Oshiomhole and I are not working together is a lie.
“The only disagreement we had was during the primaries. I insisted on due process and stood my ground until it was done properly. After the primaries, we closed ranks, campaigned together and won the election. Since then, we have been working harmoniously. There are no cracks in the party.”
Tenebe said he had been serving as acting chairman and saw no reason to replace what he described as a winning team. He noted that the party had worked hard to elect a good governor, and that it was now their responsibility to support him in delivering the dividends of democracy. As chairman, he added, it was his duty to defend and back the governor in achieving these goals.
He explained that elections were party-driven rather than individual projects, and stressed that the manifesto presented to the people of Edo State must be implemented. He added that if supporting the governor displeased anyone, it was a consequence they would accept.
On the upcoming congress, Tenebe said the process would be smooth. He noted that after the congress, the party would hold its national convention, which he believed would make the APC stronger.
He stated that consultations in Edo State had been concluded, he had received the endorsement to continue as chairman, and that his relationship with Senator Adams Oshiomhole remained cordial, describing Oshiomhole as a respected party leader in the state.See_More…