Edo Poll: 9 Days To Go! Shock As Another Commissioner Quits Obaseki’s Cabinet

'Dotun Akintomide
Writer

Ad

King Charles, Pope Leo pray together in historic first

King Charles III on Thursday became the first head of the Church of England to pray publicly with a pope since the schism with Rome 500 years ago, in a service led by Leo XIV. The 76-year-old monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, joined the US-born pope in the Sistine Chapel for a 30-minute service…

Tears as Ghana’s Ex-First Lady Nana Konadu Rawlings Dies at 76

By Abiola Olawale Ghana is shrouded in grief on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following the passing of a former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who died at the age of 76 in Accra. ​Sources close to the family confirmed that the former First Lady, the widow of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, passed away…

PDP Crisis: BoT Members Dismiss Anyanwu’s Forgery Claims,  Says It’s “Baseless and Misleading”

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to deepen following a sharp rebuttal from the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) against allegations of signature forgery made by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. ​The BoT, in a statement issued on Thursday, dismissed Anyanwu's claims as "baseless, misleading, and reprehensible," insisting the…

Ad

…Returns To APC, Cites Reasons For Resignation

By Gbenga Abulude(The New Diplomat’s politics and General desk)

Edo State Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Mr. Joseph Ikpea, on Wednesday resigned from Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.  Mr Ikpea who is also a former Local government Council chairman cited reasons in his resignation letter addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki why he had to step aside at this last minute.

In Esan South East local government area where Ikpea previously served as a Council Chairman, he is perceived as an Iroko of Esan South East LGA. The Commissioner’s resignation is coming 10 days to  the Edo governorship election that has Obaseki as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recall that Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, had resigned from Obaseki’s administration in June.  This is barely five weeks after the chief of staff to the Edo state governor, Mr Taiwo Akerele similarly resigned, alleging that he was being sidelined in state matters.edo commissioner

Read also: 2023 Permutations: Atiku, Buhari’s Allies, Others May Forge Alliance To Edge Tinubu Out , Says CAGG

In the resignation letter signed by Ikpea and dated 9th of September, the former Commissioner cited lack of interest, trust, and respect as part of the reasons he decided to quit the cabinet.

Ikpea noted that he brought APC to Esan South East Local Government Area and majority of his supporters are still in the party which Obaseki left in order to realise his re-election ambition.

The Commissioner said: “One of the reasons why I am resigning is that politics is all about Interest, trust and respect for one another but I have never seen all of this till date.

“All Progressive Congress (APC) was brought to Esan South East LGA by me and over 90% of my supporters are APC members till date. So it is difficult to leave this house I built considering also that the administration didn’t appreciate my leadership role”.

The gale of defections among politicians in Edo was not unexpected due to the switching of parties between Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, of the PDP and APC , respectively.

Read also: APC Urges FG To Investigate Obaseki’s Alleged Arms Importation

As the Edo State gubernatorial election holding next week Saturday draws near, more drama in Edo politics are not unlikely as parties embark on their last minute campaign tours.

Ad

X whatsapp