A significant political development unfolded in Benin City as the All Progressives Congress (APC) reclaimed its state secretariat from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), marking the end of a four-year property dispute that had symbolized the complex political dynamics in Edo State.
Acting State Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, led the dramatic repossession of the building located at 59 Airport Road, fulfilling a key promise he made upon assuming leadership of the party. The takeover occurred in the presence of PDP’s caretaker committee chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, and the State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, adding a layer of political intrigue to the situation.
Speaking to journalists after securing the premises, Tenebe revealed that the property had been forcibly taken from the APC following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s defection to the PDP. According to Tenebe, the APC had previously secured a seven-year lease on the building with funding from the party’s national office before their alleged eviction.
The timing of this development is particularly significant, coming on the heels of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s emergence as governor-elect in the recent gubernatorial election. Tenebe emphasized that this reclamation fulfills the second of two major promises he made to party faithful – winning the governorship election and recovering party assets.
The political symbolism of the secretariat recovery runs deep, with Tenebe describing it as one of his happiest moments in office. He detailed plans for immediate renovation, including repainting the building in APC colors, signaling a decisive return to party control. The chairman also expressed firm determination to resist any attempts to challenge their possession of the property.
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ben Abang, was present at the scene with other senior police officers, underscoring the sensitive nature of the transition. The presence of law enforcement helped maintain order during what could have been a tense situation, particularly given the high-profile political figures involved.
This development marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape, reflecting broader changes following the recent gubernatorial election. The secretariat dispute traces back to Governor Obaseki’s defection from APC to PDP, a move that Tenebe claims led to the forceful appropriation of party assets, including vehicles and office equipment.
The reclamation carries particular weight given the historical context of the building. Tenebe pointed out that even Google searches still identified the location as APC’s office, suggesting a persistent association with the party despite the four-year PDP occupation. The chairman’s emphasis on this point reinforces the APC’s claim to legitimate ownership through their previous rental agreement.
The scene at the secretariat captured the changing political dynamics in Edo State, with PDP’s caretaker committee chairman being escorted from the premises by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. This peaceful exit, despite the dramatic circumstances, suggests a recognition of the shifting political realities following the recent electoral outcomes.
As the APC moves to reestablish its presence in the building, the event symbolizes more than just a property transfer – it represents a broader political realignment in Edo State. With Senator Okpebholo’s victory and the reclamation of the party secretariat, the APC appears to be consolidating its position in the state’s political landscape.
The development sets the stage for what promises to be an interesting period in Edo State politics, as both parties adjust to new realities and power dynamics. The APC’s successful reclamation of its former headquarters may well signal the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political narrative.