Engineer Esosa Iyawe, the federal lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, has firmly rejected claims that he resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He attributed the widespread rumor to overzealous members of his media team and certain supporters who acted without his approval.
According to DAILY POST, Iyawe was initially elected under the Labour Party in 2023 before switching to the APC on December 5, 2024. A letter dated May 6, 2026, addressed to Ward 1 in Oredo Local Government Area, had reportedly announced his departure from the party due to irreconcilable differences with Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. The same letter allegedly stated that Iyawe would join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and had withdrawn his interest in contesting for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 elections.
In response, Iyawe issued a signed press statement on May 9, 2026, in Benin City, categorically denying both his resignation and the withdrawal of his candidacy. He stated, “My attention has been drawn to a purported resignation letter currently circulating on social media and other platforms, alleging my withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my resignation from the party. I wish to categorically state that the said letter does not represent my position and was issued without my authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within my media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of my directives.”
He further emphasized, “For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and I have not resigned my membership from the party nor withdrawn my political aspirations. It is important to emphasise that I am presently engaged in constructive consultations and ongoing engagements with the leadership of our great party in Edo State regarding matters affecting the party and the future of our constituency. These discussions are being carried out in the spirit of unity, mutual respect and progressive development.”
Iyawe urged party members, supporters, and the public to ignore the fraudulent letter and any related misinformation. He reaffirmed his dedication to the APC’s principles and the advancement of Oredo Federal Constituency and Edo State. He also expressed gratitude for the concern and solidarity shown by his supporters during the incident.