By Nosa Omorodion
For every conscientious APC member in Edo South, the declaration by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to seek the nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come somewhat late. It had long been anticipated, despite persistent rumours that the Edo South ticket had been ceded to a powerful powerful interests outside the senatorial district. There has been sustained clamour for Ize-Iyamu—whom many consider deserving of the right of first refusal, given his role in the formation of the APC, his unparalleled sacrifices for the party, and his clear visionary qualities—to step forward and contest on the strength of his undeniable popularity.
However, true to the character of the experienced and strategic politician that he is, Ize-Iyamu delayed his declaration, even at the risk of the frustration of his numerous supporters within and outside the APC. It is understood that he chose to undertake extensive consultations across party lines, with a view to correcting misrepresentations and dispelling misleading narratives ahead of the selection of the APC senatorial candidate for Edo South.
His eventual declaration has brought immense relief to his supporters and to the wider Edo South electorate, who have unwavering confidence in his capacity to restore the image and fortunes of the district. Edo South, despite its size and significance, has paradoxically come to occupy a diminished position on the political chessboard of Edo State and Nigeria. There is, therefore, a growing consensus that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu represents the strength Edo South requires to rebalance the scales and reclaim its rightful place. He is widely seen as the rallying point capable of catalysing a dramatic turnaround.
It is not an overstatement to assert that, considering the depth of his contributions and sacrifices toward the growth of the APC and the development of Edo State, Ize-Iyamu, in the present circumstances, deserves the party’s nomination without contest.
It is well established that Ize-Iyamu is not only a foundational member of the APC but also a critical stakeholder who served on the party’s constitution drafting committee. Over the years, he has held both substantive and ad hoc positions at the national level, contributing significantly to the party’s current stature. He was also the APC’s governorship candidate who suffered defeat under circumstances widely attributed to internal sabotage, aimed at preventing the emergence of a political structure in Edo State aligned with President Tinubu’s 2023 presidential ambition.
Beyond his contributions and sacrifices, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is uniquely suited to represent Edo South in the Senate at this critical moment. The district has suffered political marginalisation despite its large population and expansive landmass. Its voice has often been muted in key decision-making spaces, and its capacity to negotiate equitable outcomes has been constrained. To reverse this trend, Edo South requires a representative who cannot be intimidated, sidelined, or compromised—a leader with extensive networks within both the party and government, capable of swiftly reclaiming lost ground.
In this regard, no other aspirant matches Ize-Iyamu’s breadth of experience—as former Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, South-South leader, governorship campaign director-general, and governorship candidate. Despite the fact that Ize-Iyamu would be going to the Senate as a first-time senator, he would nonetheless bring a wealth of experience and a robust network that positions him to effectively attract meaningful benefits to Edo South.
Another critical quality required of Edo South’s next senator—one which Ize-Iyamu possesses in abundance—is accessibility. This goes beyond mere access in Abuja; it extends to his availability in Benin City and within his constituency. Over the years, Ize-Iyamu has demonstrated a consistent openness to engaging with people across all divides—regardless of age, status, or background. His well-known open-door policy is one he is expected to sustain in the Senate. Coupled with this is his deep sense of empathy—his ability to understand and respond to the needs of others with sincerity and practical solutions. Edo South constituents can therefore be assured of a representative who listens and acts.
In conclusion, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is owed a debt of recognition by the APC—one that can justly be repaid through granting him the party’s ticket for the 2027 Edo South senatorial election. Beyond this, he remains eminently qualified by virtue of his proven capacity to attract both human and infrastructural development to the district, as well as his ability to project Edo South prominently on the national stage through articulate advocacy and effective representation.
He is, without question, the man best suited for the task. The cap fits, and so do the shoes. It is therefore only fitting that he be duly endorsed by the leadership and members of the APC.