By Kelly Odaro, PhD
Recent reports circulating on social media about the visit of some notable leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South to the residence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu have raised serious political concerns among party faithful and observers of the political landscape in Edo State.
According to the reports, the leaders reportedly appealed to Pastor Ize-Iyamu to step down from the senatorial race in favour of Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who is widely perceived to be politically aligned with the influential Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.Whether the report is entirely accurate or not, the mere suggestion of such political manoeuvring has triggered unease among many party supporters in Edo South. It raises fundamental questions about political fairness, internal democracy, and respect for the political autonomy of a district that has long played a critical role in shaping the destiny of Edo State.
The situation appears to lend credence to the earlier observation made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and a leading APC figure, who once likened some Edo South political actors to a fowl that eagerly runs after scattered grains of corn. The metaphor, though harsh, underscores the danger of political opportunism where personal interests overshadow collective political integrity.
Edo South is not a political outpost that can be casually manipulated by external forces. It is a politically sophisticated district with a long history of producing leaders who command grassroots support and understand the aspirations of their people. The idea that external political interests could attempt to determine who represents the district in the Senate is not only troubling but potentially destabilising for the party.
It must be clearly stated that no prominent political figure from Edo State would contemplate interfering in the internal political affairs of Rivers State or attempt to impose a candidate on its people. Such an act would be considered politically reckless and disrespectful. Therefore, the same courtesy and respect must be extended to Edo South. Political reciprocity and mutual respect are fundamental principles in Nigeria’s delicate political ecosystem.
What makes the current situation particularly sensitive is the perception that a relatively new entrant into the APC structure in Edo State could be strategically positioned to take the senatorial ticket ahead of long-standing party loyalists who have laboured for the party’s growth over the years. Political parties thrive on loyalty, commitment and the trust of their grassroots supporters. Any attempt to bypass these values risks alienating the very base upon which electoral success is built.
The leadership of the APC in Edo State must therefore tread carefully. The most credible and democratic path forward is simple: allow the aspirants to go to the field to test their popularity through a transparent and credible primary election. The era when candidates could simply be imposed from above is fading rapidly in Nigerian politics. Today’s electorate and party faithful are far more politically conscious and less tolerant of backroom arrangements that undermine democratic choice.
Among the aspirants, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu remains one of the most recognisable and politically experienced figures in Edo South. Over the years, he has built a formidable political structure that spans the seven local government areas of the district. His long-standing involvement in Edo politics has earned him loyal followers who cannot be ignored or casually dismissed.
Political realities must also be carefully considered. If a candidate with such an established support base is perceived to be unfairly edged out of the race, the resulting dissatisfaction among his supporters could have unintended consequences for the party. Electoral politics is not merely about winning internal contests; it is about maintaining unity and ensuring that all stakeholders feel respected within the party framework.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the APC cannot afford avoidable internal fractures in a strategically important district such as Edo South. Political miscalculations at this stage could weaken party cohesion and inadvertently hand political advantage to opposition forces.
Ultimately, the path to stability and electoral success lies in fairness, transparency and respect for the will of party members. Edo South deserves the opportunity to freely choose who will represent it in the Senate. The decision must emerge from the people and the party faithful, not from political pressure or external influence.
In the end, democracy within the party must prevail. Edo South is politically mature enough to determine its own destiny, and the APC leadership must ensure that the process reflects that fundamental reality.
Dr. Kelly Odaro, a public affairs analyst and political pundit, writes from Benin City.
