By Titus Oise, Benin.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, Prince John Mayaki, has commended aspirants contesting House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections, who stepped down in support of the party’s preferred candidates, describing their action as a demonstration of loyalty, maturity, and commitment to party unity.

Speaking on recent developments within the party, Mayaki praised those who chose the path of peace over conflict, noting that politics should not be driven by bitterness, insults, or personal attacks.

According to him, leadership decisions may not satisfy everyone at the same time, but party members must learn to place collective interest above individual ambition.

His words, “We must appreciate and commend those aspirants in Edo South, Central and North, who willingly stepped down for the choice of the party. Their sacrifice shows discipline, respect for leadership, and dedication to the progress of the APC,” he said.

Mayaki also urged aggrieved members and supporters to avoid actions capable of causing division within the party, stressing that patience and loyalty always create opportunities for the future.

He further called on party faithful to learn from the political culture in Lagos State, where a governorship candidate emerged without rancor, open hostility, or attacks against the state governor or party leaders.

“We should learn from the Lagos example, where the emergence of a governorship candidate did not lead to insults against the governor or party leadership. That is the kind of maturity and political culture we should encourage,” he stated.

The APC stalwart also appealed to members to rally behind the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the party Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe to ensure stability, unity, and progress in the state.

He maintained that no political process can favour everyone at once, adding that members who remain patient, loyal, and committed to the party would always have opportunities in the future.