Edo APC chair, Tenebe, battles plot to deny him 2nd term

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Alleged plot to deny the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, a second term at the expiration of his tenure this October, has pitched him against the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.

It was learnt that besides Momoh, Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, may not be keen to support his re-election.

When Oshiomhole carried out an empowerment programme for his constituents last week, Tenebe was conspicuously absent, raising suspicion among political observers that all was not well in the ranks of party leaders in Edo North APC.

In apparent move to fight the thickening plot to unseat him, Tenebe has resorted to a series of social media posts on his Facebook platform, where he accused Momoh of scheming to take control of the Edo APC by working with a ‘dangerous clique.’

“Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, I have led the party to the best of my ability. I can as well leave the party to you and your dangerous clique. There is already a place in history for people like me.

“I supported you during your House of Representatives election when you were rigged out by this new click. If that was a crime, just know that is a place for people like me and I know that was why I helped you.

“I encouraged people from other political parties who lost their ways to swell our fold in APC. If that’s my crime, Abubakar Momoh, I will leave the party for you and your new click, just know I am fulfilled.

“In this party, I have lent a voice to those who cannot speak. I have fought for the oppressed, possibly the reason Momoh and his clique wants me out. “During the last local government election organised by Governor Godwin Obaseki, I travelled with my team on canoe, which could have capsized but this time, Momoh was moving from the air condition office to his air conditioned home with his family.

“Today, all is set, Jarrett is no longer capable, he and his wicked clique want me out. I will leave so that peace will reign,” Tenebe posted.

Reacting to Tenebe’s post, Momoh said the APC chairman should be allowed to exhaust himself, adding that he would not join issues with him.