Pressure mounts as calls grow for APC to uphold Mathias

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako Central Constituency following what supporters of Hon. Mathias Igekhie Aliu (MIA) have described as desperate attempts in some quarters to deny the widely accepted grassroots politician his well-earned victory in the party’s House of Assembly primary election.

Across Etsako Central, jubilations had greeted the emergence of Hon. Mathias Igekhie Aliu after the primary process, with party faithful, youths, women groups, and community leaders openly celebrating what many described as “the triumph of the people’s will.”

However, emerging developments after the exercise have reportedly sparked concerns among supporters, especially as video footages and reports from the field are said to clearly indicate where the overwhelming support of delegates and party members stood during the primary election.

Political observers within the constituency insist that the outcome reflected the true mood of the grassroots, noting that Hon. Mathias Aliu enjoys rare acceptance across communities in Etsako Central due to his accessibility, humility, compassion, and longstanding relationship with the people.

Many supporters argue that any attempt to alter or undermine the clearly expressed mandate of party members could send the wrong signal ahead of the general elections, especially at a time when the APC is positioning itself for stronger unity and consolidation in Edo State.

Significantly, party faithful and stakeholders backing MIA have carefully avoided blaming the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, or respected APC leaders such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, insisting instead that both leaders have consistently stood for justice, fairness, and the protection of the ordinary people.

According to supporters, Governor Okpebholo’s reputation as a grassroots politician and Senator Oshiomhole’s long history of defending the oppressed give confidence that the right thing will ultimately prevail.

“This is not a fight against anybody,” one stakeholder in Fugar stated. “We believe in the leadership of our Governor and our leaders. What we are asking for is simple, let the people’s voice count. Let transparency and fairness prevail.”

Supporters further pointed to what they described as a major political reality in the constituency that leadership and electability must be measured by acceptance at the grassroots.

According to them, any politician unable to secure victory even within his immediate political base raises serious concerns about broader electoral viability in the general elections.

In contrast, Hon. Mathias Igekhie Aliu is being projected by supporters as a unifying figure with the capacity to mobilize across wards and communities, strengthen party cohesion, and deliver overwhelming victory for the APC in 2027.

The growing movement around MIA has continued to gain momentum from Fugar to Ekperi, Okpekpe, and other communities within Etsako Central, with many party members openly declaring that the constituency needs “a bridge builder, not division.”

Meanwhile, Hon. Mathias Igekhie Aliu has maintained a calm and appreciative disposition despite the controversy, thanking Governor Monday Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, party leaders, supporters, women, youths, and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and credible process.

“This victory belongs to the people of Etsako Central,” he said while addressing supporters. “Together, we shall continue to build a stronger, united, and greater constituency.”

As political attention now shifts to the final position of the party leadership, many within Etsako Central are urging the APC to protect its integrity by standing firmly with the clearly expressed will of the grassroots.

For supporters of MIA, the message remains loud and clear:

“The people have spoken and their mandate must be respected.”