Edo Deputy Speaker’s Defeat Deepens APC Crisis in Orhionmwon


By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Orhionmwon chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the defeat of the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, in the party’s primary election for Orhionmwon Constituency I ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atu, who had recently come under pressure from alleged internal political forces within the party, lost his bid to secure the APC ticket after polling only nine votes in the primary election.

Ndidi Aghimien emerged winner with 2,777 votes, while Terry Igiebor secured 87 votes and Nosakhare Eguagie polled 57 votes.

The outcome has intensified political tension in the constituency, particularly against the backdrop of
earlier warnings by former APC secretary in Orhionmwon, Hon. Monday Igbinigie, who had accused unnamed political actors of plotting to sacrifice the Deputy Speaker for “selfish interests and personal aggrandisement.”

In a statement issued before the primary, Igbinigie described Atu as a performing lawmaker whose leadership had brought political visibility and grassroots development to Orhionmwon.

He had argued that the constituency could not afford to lose such a strategic office after years of political marginalisation, warning that attempts to undermine the Deputy Speaker would trigger resistance from loyal party members and supporters across the local government.

“It is shocking that some persons would seek to undermine a sitting and performing Deputy Speaker simply because of greed, envy and personal aggrandisement,” Igbinigie had stated.

The crushing nature of Atu’s defeat, however, has now raised questions about the depth of his political support within the APC structure in Orhionmwon, as well as the shifting power dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the primary result may signal a major realignment within the party, with emerging blocs consolidating influence at the grassroots level.

Despite the setback, supporters of the Deputy Speaker insist his contributions to the constituency and his position within the state legislature cannot be erased by the primary outcome.

The development is expected to further shape political calculations within the APC in Edo South, especially in Orhionmwon where the contest has exposed widening internal divisions among party stakeholders.

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