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    Edo APC Reclaims Benin Secretariat Four Years After Forceful Eviction

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    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has reclaimed its long-contested party secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City, following a protracted battle dating back four years. The party, under its chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, officially announced its repossession of the building, which had been taken over by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during Godwin Obaseki’s governorship.

    Speaking to journalists at the site, Tenebe celebrated the recovery as a fulfillment of promises made to the party faithful. He detailed the sequence of events, recalling how the APC lost control of the property.

    “Four years ago, we renewed the rent for this facility for seven years,” Tenebe explained. “However, after Obaseki defected to the PDP, they forcefully removed us, destroyed our property, and seized our vehicles. At that time, despite reporting to the Inspector General of Police, local authorities, influenced by the state governor, denied us access.”

    A Turbulent History of Loss and Struggle

    The building, a symbolic and functional hub for the APC in Edo State, had served as the party’s operational base for years. Following Obaseki’s defection to the PDP in the lead-up to the 2020 elections, the secretariat became a casualty of the shifting political landscape.

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    Tenebe, who was then the APC’s deputy chairman, emphasized that the party’s hands were tied during Obaseki’s tenure. “Even though the Inspector General agreed we should retake the building, we faced active resistance from local police working under the governor’s directive,” he said.

    The secretariat’s forceful takeover in 2020 was just one facet of a broader political battle between the APC and PDP in Edo State, characterized by heated elections, deflections, and accusations of abuse of power.

    Promises Made, Promises Kept

    Upon his appointment as chairman, Tenebe vowed to address the injustices of the past. His dual promises were clear: to reclaim APC properties and restore the party’s dominance in Edo State politics.

    “We have achieved the first goal by installing Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor, and now, we fulfill the second promise by regaining our secretariat,” Tenebe declared. “This is the happiest day of my life. No APC asset will be allowed to remain under PDP control.”

    The party plans to remodel the secretariat to reflect APC’s branding, signaling its return as the ruling party in the state. “We’ve instructed painters to transform this place into APC colors today,” Tenebe announced. “This building is ours, and we will ensure it stays that way.”

    Law Enforcement Presence

    The recovery effort witnessed the presence of law enforcement officials, underscoring the tense political atmosphere surrounding the building’s status. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Ben Abang and other senior officers visited the scene to assess the situation. The officers reportedly discussed the transition with APC leaders to ensure calm prevailed.

    Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP’s state chairman, was present during the takeover but was later escorted out of the premises by Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku. The incident marked a symbolic shift in the state’s political terrain, reflecting the APC’s resolve to reverse PDP’s influence.

    APC Signals Intent to Consolidate Power

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    The party chairman further issued a warning against any attempts to disrupt their hold over the secretariat. “We will resist any effort, from any individual or group, to contest our ownership of this property,” Tenebe asserted. His statement signals a readiness for potential challenges from the PDP or any other interest group.

    APC’s leadership emphasized the secretariat’s importance not just as a physical asset but as a sign of the party’s rejuvenation in Edo State. By reclaiming this building, the APC hopes to energize its base and solidify its position following its recent electoral victory.

    The PDP’s Position

    While no official statement had been made by the Edo PDP leadership regarding the takeover at the time of reporting, the party faces increasing pressure in a state where it once held significant influence. Obaseki, now in his second term as governor, has seen his administration criticized for the secretariat saga and broader allegations of power misuse.

    For the APC, the reclamation of the secretariat underscores a broader effort to assert dominance in Edo’s evolving political landscape. Whether this signals a shift in long-term voter sentiment remains to be seen.

    As the building undergoes refurbishment to reflect APC colors, one thing is clear: the party considers this a symbolic victory, reclaiming not just property, but momentum. “We are back where we belong,” Tenebe affirmed.

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