Benin City, Edo State – Following the conclusion of consultations and internal alignments for the Edo South Senatorial District, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has restated the party’s commitment to fielding only candidates with proven electoral value and grassroots acceptance.
Speaking shortly after the recent round of consultations, Tenebe said the APC in Edo State would not repeat past mistakes by backing candidates whose political record shows a pattern of defeat.
“The Edo South Senatorial ticket is reserved for someone who can deliver for the party and the people. We are not in the business of rewarding serial losers,” Tenebe said.
“The APC must protect its brand and the trust of Edo voters by presenting credible, winnable candidates in 2027.”
The statement comes amid reports that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s consultations for the Edo South Senatorial seat had lost momentum within the party. Party sources say Tenebe’s position reflects a strong optimism to deliver a candidate capable of securing victory and delivering for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election agenda.
Tenebe reiterated that the Edo APC is working toward delivering 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027, and that candidate selection will be guided by strategy, not sentiment.
“The only snag we can have is the kind of people we field in other elections. That is why we are very careful,” he stressed, adding that the party had so far only endorsed President Tinubu and Senator Adams Oshiomhole for 2027.
The chairman urged APC members in Edo South to avoid distractions and align behind the party’s decision-making process. He said internal unity and discipline remain critical if the APC is to consolidate its gains in the state after the 2024 governorship victory.
“Leadership is not about noise or personal ambition. It is about service, strategy, and winning elections for the people,” Tenebe added.
The Edo APC leadership says it will continue stakeholder engagements across the three senatorial districts to ensure that only candidates with capacity, integrity, and acceptance emerge on the party’s platform.s