The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Shaba Ehigiamusoe has criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for associating with people who once derided him, calling it demoralising to loyal party members.

Mr Ehigiamusoe said the governor’s relationship with former critics, more than a year into his administration, had deepened feelings of neglect among party faithful who worked for the APC’s victory in the 2024 governorship election.

“I am crying out because I and many others laboured to ensure APC succeeded in Edo State,” he said.

The APC chieftain lamented that many party members who campaigned vigorously for the party remained unemployed and without appointments.

He noted, however, that individuals who openly opposed Mr Okpebholo’s candidacy before and after the election were now allegedly being empowered.

Mr Ehigiamusoe was reacting to the recent appearance of two Edo State-born bloggers—one based in the United States of America—both known critics of the governor, who accompanied Mr Okpebholo on an inspection tour of projects in parts of the state.

According to him, the duo had, at various times during the electioneering period, used “derogatory and unprintable words” to describe the governor, including labelling him an illiterate.

“The sharing formula is lopsided. Politics is about interest. Even the governor’s interest is number one before that of Edo people,” he stated.

Mr Ehigiamusoe described the governor’s public association with his former critics as a slap in the face of committed party members, including media handlers who defended Mr Okpebholo against sustained attacks during the campaign.

He stated, “This development is painful to those of us who stood firmly with you when these same individuals vehemently opposed your ambition.”

(NAN)