Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has apologised to leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area amid moves to secure support for his re-election bid.
Agbebaku tendered the apology on Friday during an enlarged APC meeting held at the residence of party leader Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as Tarex.
The apology formed part of conditions reportedly given to the Speaker by leaders in the area before he could align with the APC structure in Owan West and be recognised as one of the aspirants seeking election into the House of Assembly.
Addressing party members, Agbebaku said he attended the meeting to reconcile and harmonise with the APC family in the local government.
The Speaker blamed previous misunderstandings on overzealous supporters and pledged loyalty to the party leadership in the area.
Agbebaku said: “I have never, and will not dispute his party leadership in Owan West.”
He added: “I am here to say, whoever I wronged in the past, whether knowingly or unknowingly, I deeply apologise.
“I remain committed to working for the progress of our party, the APC, and the people.”
Agbebaku also formally declared his intention to seek another term in the Assembly.
He said: “I want my brother, Tarex, to also know that I am in the race for re-election.
“I appeal to you all that we need to use this opportunity judiciously for the benefit of everybody.”
However, party members at the meeting reportedly rejected the Speaker’s appeal and insisted he should compete alongside four other aspirants seeking the ticket.
Chairman of Ward 11, Lewis Ekpenga, opposed the Speaker’s request for endorsement.
Ekpenga said: “Nobody in his right senses should contemplate giving his plea a thought.
“Hon. Agbebaku is not the only person in Owan West qualified to aspire for this position.”
He added: “And considering his antecedents before, during and after the governorship election, we will be doing the greatest injustice to our people if we throw him up as our candidate.”
Another party member, Johnson Abolagba, urged the APC to reward aspirants who worked for the party during the 2024 governorship election.
Abolagba said: “I think the governor, for the sake of stability and rewarding loyalty in the party, should look at aspirants who worked for his election.”
He added: “I am talking about the likes of Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Barr. George Ohioma, Atafo Gold and Juliana Ikharo.
“These people have been steadfast in their support for the party, and it’s only fair to look in their direction.”
Other party leaders present at the meeting included APC Chairman in Owan West LGA, Joy Ohonyon, Joe Ekpekhio, Ojo Asein and Stanley Amu.
