Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State on Monday accused a party chieftain, Lawrence Okah, of marginalizing 11 wards in the council while favoring only Ward 7.

The group, under the aegis of Oredo APC Concerned Group and led by its coordinator, Osamuyi Osadiaye, alleged at a press briefing in Benin that Okah, who hails from Ward 7, has consistently allocated key party and government positions to his ward, sidelining other wards.
“The Oredo APC Concerned Group wishes to state its position on the lopsided political appointments by the APC State Secretary and his dictatorial tendencies in the politics of Oredo,” Osadiaye said. “It is no longer news that APC in Oredo is drifting fast due to the high-handedness and outright marginalization of 11 wards in favor of only Ward 7.”

He alleged that critical positions—including the APC State Secretary, Local Government Party Chairman, Assistant Treasurer, Publicity Secretary, and even a member of the State House of Assembly—are all concentrated in Ward 7.

According to him, the development threatens unity and progress within the party in Oredo, and if left unchecked, could spark internal crises.
“We will not fold our hands and watch one man take over the whole affairs of the council,” he warned, calling on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to urgently intervene and ensure fair and inclusive appointments across all wards.
“This development is undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusion. We need urgent intervention to prevent further alienation and crisis within the Oredo APC at the grassroots level,” he added.

Reacting, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie denied the allegations of imposition or marginalization, insisting that appointments and positions were not skewed.