By Sharon Oyakhire

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a bitter internal conflict following what many within the party have described as a “show of shame” during their candidate Monday Okpebholo’s recent US diaspora visit.

The fallout from the disastrous outing has cast serious doubts on Okpebholo’s fitness for office, with a growing number of party leaders voicing concerns over his suitability as a gubernatorial candidate.

During the trip, Okpebholo stumbled through his usual grammatical errors and intellectual missteps that have become fodder for critics. His performance has been lambasted as subpar, with numerous gaffes highlighting his lack of preparedness and competence for the governorship role. The backlash within the APC has been swift and severe.

Prominent APC leaders, including a former governor, have privately lamented the quality of their candidate. They have not minced words, expressing disappointment over the selection of Okpebholo and questioning the judgment of those who endorsed his candidacy. “We cannot afford to put forward a candidate who struggles with basic communication and displays a clear lack of intellectual rigor,” the top leader was quoted as saying. “It is a disservice to the people of Edo State.”

Despite the mounting criticism, some within the APC have attempted to defend Okpebholo. Pastor Ize-Iyamu, reportedly a sponsor and puppet master of Okpebholo apologist, has maintained that his puppet candidate had a good outing in America, arguing that the candidate’s tour was successful in terms of outreach and engagement. However, these assertions have done little to quell the growing discontent and skepticism within the party ranks.

In stark contrast, Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, continues to demonstrate his robust experience and superior capacity for leadership. Ighodalo’s recent engagements, both domestically and internationally, have been marked by articulate presentations and a clear, strategic vision for Edo State. His intellectual acumen and policy insights have set a high bar, leaving many to draw unfavorable comparisons with Okpebholo.

Ighodalo’s track record of excellence and his ability to engage thoughtfully on complex issues have only amplified the APC’s internal strife over Okpebholo’s candidacy. As the election draws near, the contrast between the two candidates becomes increasingly stark, with Ighodalo’s proven capabilities overshadowing Okpebholo’s glaring weaknesses.

The APC’s internal conflicts are a reflection of deeper issues within the party, as it grapples with the consequences of nominating a candidate who many believe is unfit for the governorship. As the debate continues, the people of Edo State watch closely, weighing the merits of each candidate’s qualifications and readiness to lead.

Oyakhire writes from Benin City.