Edo South APC Primaries: Governor Okpebholo’s Strategy Sparks Tensions Ahead of April 2026 Vote

Governor Okpebholo's support for Ogbeide Ihama sparks tension in Edo South APC. Incumbent Neda Imasuen and other heavyweights prepare for a primary showdown.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:24 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

The Battle for Edo’s Most Influential District

As the April 2026 party primaries approach, the Edo South Senatorial District has become the primary flashpoint for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Representing over 56% of the state’s total voting strength, the district is a critical prize for any political strategist. Governor Monday Okpebholo, now the undisputed leader of the APC in Edo State, finds himself at the center of a brewing storm. His perceived preference for a specific candidate has transformed a routine primary season into a high-stakes struggle between the governor’s strategic alliances and the entrenched interests of longstanding party stakeholders.

The "Ihama Factor" and Strategic Defections

The crux of the tension lies in the reported backing of Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, a former House of Representatives member who defected to the APC prior to the 2024 governorship election. Ihama, a close ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is widely believed to be the beneficiary of a "political bargain" struck during the 2024 campaign to secure cross-party support for Okpebholo. While the governor’s camp views rewarding such allies as essential for coalition building, legacy APC members in Edo South argue that leapfrogging a recent defector over loyalists undermines the party’s traditional reward system.

A Field of Formidable Contenders

Edo South is currently saturated with heavy-weight aspirants, making any attempt at imposition a risky maneuver. Among those reportedly eyeing the ticket are: