Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a setback as a top member of the party from Edo Central, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, resigned his party membership.
In a letter of resignation dated June 8, 2024, Inegbeneki, who is the state vice chairman of the party, wrote that after keeping faith with the APC for 25 years, some recent developments in the party in his local government area and Edo State conflicted with his core principles and values.
Inegbeneki was accused last year of holding a series of secret meetings at a hotel in his home community of Irrua, where he agreed to work for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the APC during the 2023 House of Assembly election. This action earned him expulsion before he was later pardoned.
In the letter, addressed to the APC ward chairman in Opoji, Esan Central local government area of Edo State, the Uzoya of Esan Land maintained that the party’s development led him to seriously evaluate his political future in Edo State and determine the way forward.
He said that after consultations with family, friends, and political associates, he resolved to formally inform the party of his decision to resign from membership in the APC and his enviable role as the state vice chairman.
“There comes a time in every man’s life when some hard decisions must be taken not only in one’s interest but in the general interest of his People. This is one of such moments. It is a hard decision, but it is the best in the best interests of the good people of my senatorial district.”
Inegbeneki, however, advised that a lot needed to be done to reposition the party in the state.
Despite the difficult challenges, he thanked his supporters and followers for their support and loyalty through the years.
However, he was silent on his next political move. The erstwhile APC Edo Central Senatorial leader added that “it is time now to chart a new course for the good of all.”
He emotionally noted, “To all my friends, brothers, and sisters in the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish you well and want to let you know that we remain what we are.
“I cherish our relationship, and nothing can change it. I believe in the future of Nigeria and the Renewed Hope agenda. Together, we shall continue to work to make progress for our dear state, Edo, and the country at large,” he said.