Edo Rep Iyawe Dumps APC for NDC Amid Rift With Okpebholo Ahead of 2027

By Reporter
The member representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Esosa Iyawe, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences with Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Iyawe, who was originally elected into the National Assembly under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, defected to the APC on December 5, 2024. He has now announced his move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a resignation letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the APC leadership in Ward 1, Oredo Local Government Area, the lawmaker said his decision followed prolonged political disagreements with the governor.

He also disclosed that he had withdrawn his interest in contesting the 2027 House of Representatives election on the APC platform.

According to the letter, the resignation takes immediate effect.

“I write to formally notify you that I hereby withdraw my expression of interest to contest for the position of House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections and to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately,” the letter stated.

Iyawe said the decision was reached after “careful reflection and consideration,” adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the APC.

He explained that he had decided to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), noting that the move reflects his current political convictions and aspirations.

The lawmaker specifically pointed to his strained relationship with Governor Okpebholo as the major reason for his exit.

“It is imperative to state that this decision is a result of the irreconcilable difference between me and my Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he wrote.

He further requested that his resignation be officially reflected in both party and INEC records.
Meanwhile, a group known as the Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders has expressed concern over what it described as growing imposition, interference, and marginalisation within the Edo APC.

In a statement issued on May 7, 2026, the group said Iyawe’s resignation reflects deeper internal problems within the party and warned that continued division could weaken the APC’s chances in Edo South ahead of the 2027 elections.

The stakeholders accused some government appointees of allegedly influencing party affairs and attempting to impose preferred candidates ahead of the APC primaries.

According to the group, many long-standing party loyalists now feel sidelined despite their contributions to the APC’s victory in Edo State in 2024.

The statement also warned that internal crises and alleged intimidation of aspirants could push voters toward opposition parties such as the NDC and ADC in 2027.

While acknowledging Governor Okpebholo’s role as the leader of the party in the state, the group urged him and the APC State Executive to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ meeting aimed at reconciliation and restoring confidence within the party.

The stakeholders further demanded free and transparent primaries, protection of founding party members, and preservation of the APC’s independence in Edo State.

They also called on the APC National Secretariat to urgently intervene to prevent what they described as a looming collapse of the party’s structure in Edo South before the 2027 general elections.

The statement was signed by Dr. Peter Edokpolor and Hon. Alfred Agbonifo on behalf of the Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders.