Leader of the All Progressives Congress and lawmaker Emmanuel Agbaje, who served as Akoko-Edo II’s representative in the state House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, has left the party just 19 days before the September 21 governorship election.
Agbaje expressed his dissatisfaction with his ward and the party’s hierarchy in a letter dated September 2, 2024, addressed to the chairman of Ward 10 in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The letter said, in part, “I feel that this is the best course of action for me at this time after careful consideration and consultation with my leaders and support base. This decision has not been taken lightly.”
“Since democracy provides for choices, I am entitled to review my involvement and seek alignment that recognizes loyalty, dedication, and sacrifices. I can no longer accept the deliberate alienation and the sidelining of core Party faithful and leaders, particularly from our ward.
“As a founding member of the party, it is a difficult decision considering the relationships built within the party over the years as well as the feelings of good friends who may choose to remain. My assurances are that our friendship and relationships remain protected and insulated. Life outside politics is larger.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and support during my time at the party. I have valued our working relationship and the shared commitment we have had to the ideals of the APC, I look forward to a continuous, robust relationship that benefits our people and communities.”
Beyond the fourteen who were not sworn in as lawmakers in 2019, Agbaje was the lone APC member in the state House of Assembly.
Prior to the 2020 governorship race, he did not desert from the APC alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki to the Peoples Democratic Party. It was learned that from that point on till the conclusion of his term, he was not granted any privileges as a legislator aside from his monthly income.
It was reported that he was not contacted during the formation of the APC governorship campaign council, as individuals from the PDP in his ward at the time were appointed to the council without his consent.