A socio-political group, Unity Voice, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Johnson Oghuma, calling on the All Progressives Congress in Edo State to support his bid for a return to the House of Representatives as member representing Etsako Federal Constituency.
In a statement released in Benin City on Wednesday, the group appealed to the party not to overlook Oghuma at a time when the race for the Etsako seat is beginning to attract increasing political interest and competition.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its Protem Chairman, Abdulkareem Yakubu, described Oghuma as a loyal and dependable party figure whose return, according to him, could strengthen the APC’s chances of retaining political dominance in the constituency.
Yakubu said Oghuma has built a reputation as a grassroots politician with a strong connection to the people across the three local government areas that make up Etsako Federal Constituency. In his view, Oghuma is not just another aspirant seeking office, but someone whose past record in public service and political loyalty should count heavily in his favour.
According to the group, one of the biggest reasons Oghuma should be seriously considered is his experience. While acknowledging that others are also interested in the seat, Unity Voice argued that legislative work is not just about ambition or popularity — it also requires familiarity with the demands of lawmaking, constituency representation, and political negotiation at the national level.
The group further pointed to Oghuma’s previous time in the House of Representatives, saying his tenure was marked by people-focused projects and legislative interventions that directly touched the lives of his constituents. For them, his return would not just be about politics, but also about continuity and building on work that had already started.
At the heart of their message is a familiar but important argument in Nigerian politics — that loyalty and performance should not be ignored when parties begin making strategic electoral decisions. Unity Voice is essentially warning the APC not to sacrifice a tested hand for the excitement of a fresh political contest.
Their appeal also reflects a wider political reality: as 2027 calculations begin to quietly take shape in many constituencies, party leaders are increasingly being pushed to choose between rewarding loyalty, managing ambition, and protecting electoral strength. In Etsako, that conversation appears to have already started.
For now, the group says its position is simple — if the APC wants continuity, experience, and a candidate with an existing connection to the people, then Johnson Oghuma should not be pushed aside