By Ijeoma Umeh
A group of party elders, under the aegis of *Concerned APC Leaders of Esan South-East Local Government Area*, has condemned recent political developments it described as _“inimical to the growth of the APC and the Esan South-East geopolitical zone.”_
The group made its position known at a press conference in Benin City on Wednesday, where it rejected the alleged third-term bid of *Hon. Sunny Ojiezele*, member representing Esan South-East in the Edo State House of Assembly.
Spokespersons for the group described the third-term ambition as _“alien to Esan Land,”_ likening it to an _“Ebola”_ and a _“taboo”_ that must be resisted.
Speaking on behalf of the group, *Hon. Okoinemen Ebhohimhen Festus*, an APC stakeholder from Esan South-East, declared:
_“We say no to the imposition of Hon. Sunny Ojiezele on our people. The third term agenda is not acceptable to us. It negates fairness, equity, and the rotational principle that has kept peace in Esan land.”_
Hon. Ebhohimhen called on *Governor Monday Okpebholo* to intervene urgently to prevent a breakdown of party unity.
_“We appeal to our dear Governor, Hon. Monday Okpebholo, to look into this matter and create an enabling environment for political harmony, peace, and a credible electioneering process ahead of our primary election in a few weeks. Let the people freely select candidates who will become our flag bearers.”_
He commended the resilience of Esan South-East people _“in the face of daunting attempts to entrench exclusion and non-participatory politics,”_ adding:
_“It is imperative to allow others to participate. Inclusion spreads development across all wards and communities in Esan South-East. No single individual should hold the zone to ransom.”_
Also addressing the press, *Mr. Joseph Olumese*, another stakeholder, described the third-term ambition as _“an aberration and a clear attempt to block the chances of other qualified aspirants.”_
_“The goodwill of Esan South-East people should not be gambled with,”_ Olumese warned. _“Power must rotate for justice and progress to reign.”_
The group vowed to continue mobilizing stakeholders to resist imposition and ensure that the forthcoming APC primaries reflect the true will of the people.