Edo Central Senatorial Aspirant, Momodu Defies APC Caucus Consensus, Picks Nomination Form Amid Massive Youth Support
In a bold and strategic political move, All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo Central Senatorial aspirant, Engr. Glory Oziegbe Momodu has officially picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination Form to contest the August 16 Senatorial by-election, in open defiance of the purported caucus consensus around another aspirant.
This development has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of the Edo Central APC, particularly as it comes days after reports emerged that a faction of the party’s caucus had allegedly adopted Mr. Ikpea from Ewatto as a “consensus candidate.”
Rather than fall in line with what many described as an imposed arrangement, Engr. Momodu chose the path of popular legitimacy, signaling his readiness to test his popularity through a democratic primary rather than accept a backroom endorsement.
“I believe in democracy and the supremacy of the people’s voice. I stand before my people and not behind closed-door arrangements,” Momodu said briefly after picking his form at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
What makes Momodu’s defiance even more potent is the overwhelming support he enjoys among APC youth leaders across the five local government areas of Edo Central Senatorial District – Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben.
Several LGA youth leaders who spoke with Journalists affirmed their backing for Engr. Momodu, citing his consistency, accessibility, and development-focused agenda.
“We are tired of recycled decisions that do not reflect the will of the people. Engr. Glory is our voice, and we are fully behind him,” said a youth leader from Esan South-East who asked not to be named.
Insiders alleged that attempts to force a consensus in favor of Joe Ikpea were orchestrated by a group of elders within the APC caucus, many of whom are said to be disconnected from the grassroots. The move has been described as an attempt to reward loyalty rather than field the most electable candidate.
Observers fear that the APC’s internal democracy in Edo Central could be at risk if the leadership fails to allow a free and fair contest. Already, some party stakeholders are warning that any attempt to subvert the process may lead to protests, defections, or apathy during the main election, especially as the ADC are prepared to field popular electable candidate and would pose real contest.
However, the emergence of Engr. Glory Oziegbe Momodu with an official party form suggests a brewing political contest that could either strengthen the party through competitive primaries or expose deeper cracks within its ranks.
As the senatorial race gathers momentum, all eyes are on how the APC leadership will navigate the competing interests. Will they respect the democratic spirit of the primaries – or risk alienating the youth and grassroots that are now firmly standing with Glory Momodu?
One thing is clear: the battle for Edo Central’s senatorial ticket is far from over – and the people are watching.
