The political atmosphere in Edo State is heating up as a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area has called for the resignation of the party’s state secretary, Lawrence Okah, over allegations of favoritism and marginalisation.

The group, which identifies as Concerned APC Members in Oredo, accused Okah of unfairly concentrating political positions and appointments in his Ward 7, sidelining the remaining 11 wards in the council.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Monday, the group’s coordinator, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged that Okah used his influence to corner critical roles for his ward.

“Lawrence Okah has concentrated critical appointments in Ward 7 of Oredo, leaving other wards grossly underrepresented. Such actions are against the spirit and ideology of the APC, which is founded on fairness and inclusivity,” Osadiaye said.

He listed several positions he claimed were influenced by the secretary in favour of his ward, including the local government party chairman, assistant treasurer, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, a representative in the Oil and Gas Commission, and aides to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The group urged party leaders and Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene and ensure fairness in future appointments, especially with local government elections approaching.

“This imbalance threatens the unity and growth of the APC in Oredo. We call on the governor to correct these injustices and make sure all wards are fairly represented,” Osadiaye added.

However, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Uwadaie Igbinigie, dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and misleading.

According to Igbinigie, Okah has been fair in his dealings and cannot be accused of favoritism. “The claims are a foul cry far from reality.

 Several prominent appointments from Oredo are not from Ward 7. The party secretary has been inclusive and carried everyone along, even within the state exco,” he argued.

He pointed to the Commissioner for Education, who hails from Oredo but not from Ward 7, as an example of balance in appointments.

As the debate rages, political observers say the outcome could play a significant role in shaping APC’s unity and strength ahead of the next round of elections in Edo State.