The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully regained control of its secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The property, originally serving as the APC’s secretariat, had been taken over by the PDP following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s defection in 2020 after being disqualified from contesting the governorship election under the APC.
In a statement following the takeover, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe emphasized that the building legally belongs to the APC, which had renewed its lease for a seven-year period prior to the PDP’s occupation. Tenebe noted that, despite the PDP's occupation, the office has always been identified as the APC's headquarters, and even today, online search results still list it as such.
Four years ago, the APC made efforts to extend its lease on the property, with funds provided by the national office for the renewal. However, when Governor Obaseki defected to the PDP, the building was forcefully seized, according to Tenebe, who described the act as being executed using "military tactics." He further alleged that PDP members destroyed APC property, confiscated vehicles, and evicted APC members from the building.
Tenebe also shared that the APC had raised concerns with the Inspector General of Police at the time, who supported the APC’s case. However, the then Commissioner of Police in Edo State, influenced by Governor Obaseki, denied them access to reclaim the secretariat.
Now, as chairman, Tenebe made it clear that reclaiming the secretariat was a key priority. He reiterated the APC’s commitment to resisting any future attempts by any group or individual to displace the party from the property or other assets.
While the PDP's spokesperson, Chris Nehikhare, promised to issue a statement in response to the development, none had been provided by the time of this report.