Barely 19 days before the September 21st governorship election in Edo State, Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a lawmaker who represented Akoko-Edo II from 2015 to 2023, has resigned his membership of the party.
Agbaje wrote to the Chairman of Ward 10 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area complaining about alienation and alleged dilatory action in the party and his Ward 10.
The letter read “This decision has not been taken lightly, but after careful consideration and consultation with my support base and leaders. I believe it is the best course of action for me at this time.
“Since democracy provides for choices, I am entitled to review my involvement and seek alignment that recognizes loyalty, dedication and sacrifices. I can no longer accept the deliberate alienation and the sidelining of core party faithful and leaders particularly from our Ward.
“As a founding member of the Party, it is a difficult decision considering the relationships built within the Party over the years as well as the feelings of good friends who may choose to remain, my assurances are that our friendship and relationships remain protected and insulated. Life outside politics is larger.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and support during my time in the party. I have valued our working relationship and the shared commitment we have had to the ideals of the A.P.C.I look forward to a continuous robust relationship that benefits our people and communities.”
Agbaje was the only APC lawmaker in the state House of Assembly besides the 14 that were not inaugurated in 2019 that did not defect with Governor Godwin Obaseki from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2020 governorship election and it was gathered that from that time till his tenure ended, he was denied all entitlements as a lawmaker except his monthly salary.
It was revealed that during the APC Governorship campaign’s formation, he was not consulted and members of the PDP in his ward were appointed to the council without consulting him.
Recall that the gubernatorial election in Edo state is just 19 days away with political actors and big wigs all in a battle to display supremacy and popularity.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo rides on the advantage of the ruling patty in the state while the APC looks to cause an upset as they aim to secure majority votes.
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