As the swearing-in of Edo State governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo approaches, the political landscape is already marked by turmoil following his first appointment of Mr. Fred Odianosen Itua as Chief Press Secretary. This decision has raised eyebrows and ignited discontent among loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly those who feel sidelined in a party already grappling with allegations of electoral fraud.
Itua, a journalist with The Sun, is not affiliated with the APC and did not play a role in the recent elections. This has reportedly left party stalwarts feeling betrayed and frustrated, leading to an alleged infighting even before Okpebholo officially takes office. Many within the party are questioning why a non-party member was chosen for such a crucial role, further deepening the rifts in an already fractured APC.
Itua brings over 13 years of experience and holds academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master’s in Media Arts. He is currently finalizing his Ph.D. in Development Communication. However, his qualifications do little to quell the discontent among APC loyalists, who feel that their contributions and loyalty during the election were disregarded in favor of a candidate lacking partisan ties.
The appointment comes at a time when Okpebholo’s legitimacy is under severe scrutiny, with many claiming that his mandate was stolen from Asue Ighodalo. Critics argue that Itua’s presence in the administration may not only fail to restore confidence but could also exacerbate the perception of a government lacking genuine support.
As Okpebholo prepares to govern, the reported internal conflicts within the APC signal troubling times ahead. The backlash against the appointment of Itua highlights a growing divide in the party, where loyalty is being questioned and the decision-making process appears to favor outsiders over committed party members.
As the inauguration looms, the APC faces a critical challenge: whether it can unite its ranks and address the mounting allegations of electoral misconduct, or if it will continue to unravel under the weight of its own discontent. The people of Edo State remain on edge, hoping for leadership that prioritizes their interests over internal party politics.
