After a four-year battle with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has reclaimed its secretariat at 59, Airport Road, Benin City,.
The property had been under PDP control since 2021, following a controversial takeover allegedly orchestrated by the then-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Addressing the media shortly after the takeover, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described the development as a fulfillment of his pledge to restore the party’s rightful properties and position in the state.
“This secretariat has always been the APC’s office. We renewed the rent for seven years before it was unlawfully taken from us by the PDP, with the support of the previous administration,” Tenebe said. “Today, justice has been served, and we are taking back what rightfully belongs to the APC.”
Recounting the events leading up to the takeover, Tenebe alleged that Governor Obaseki, after defecting to the PDP, used state machinery to evict APC members from the secretariat, confiscating party properties and vehicles.
“Despite a directive from the Inspector General of Police at the time for us to reclaim the property, the then-Commissioner of Police, acting on orders from Governor Obaseki, blocked our efforts,” he added.
Tenebe, who assumed leadership of the APC in Edo State, vowed to redress these wrongs. “I promised to reclaim this state for the APC and recover all properties taken from us. With the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor, we fulfilled the first promise. Today, we fulfill the second by reclaiming our secretariat.”
The takeover was marked by the allocation of offices and plans to remodel the building in APC colors.
Tenebe assured party members that the APC would resist any attempt to reclaim the property by vested interests.
“We will ensure this secretariat is remodeled and functions fully as the APC’s operational headquarters. No one will displace us again,” he asserted.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ben Abang, visited the premises alongside senior officers to observe the situation and interact with APC executives.
The presence of law enforcement underscored the sensitivity of the reclaiming process.
Meanwhile, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was at the premises during the takeover, was escorted out by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
With the secretariat reclaimed, the APC in Edo State appears poised for a renewed chapter of leadership and organization.
The development further cements the party’s foothold following its recent electoral victory in the state.
“This is a victory for justice and the APC,” Tenebe concluded. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Edo State and our determination to lead with integrity and purpose.”