POI AND THE BATTLE FOR EDO SOUTH: HOW POLITICAL EXPERIENCE, LOYALTY AND WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE HAVE POSITIONED HIM AHEAD OF THE PACK - POI, The Man to Beat!
As the APC primaries draw closer, palpable tension has eclipsed the various camps jostling for the Edo South Senatorial ticket. The reason is not far-fetched. A formidable political figure, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (POI), has emerged as the aspirant widely regarded as the man to beat.
Across Edo South, political stakeholders, party loyalists and grassroots supporters are increasingly rallying behind POI because of his pedigree, experience, acceptability and political sagacity. At a time when Edo South requires a strong, courageous and influential voice at the National Assembly, many believe that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu remains the most suitable personality to shoulder that responsibility.
However, he must be wary of certain Edo South leaders who merely pretend to support his ambition while secretly working against it. That is politics!
Edo South is undoubtedly the strongest senatorial district in Edo State in terms of population, political relevance and economic contribution. Unfortunately, many people believe that the district has not received the robust and purposeful representation it deserves in recent years. There is therefore a growing clamour for a leader with the capacity, charisma and national reach to restore the district’s pride and relevance at the centre. This is where POI stands tall among the contenders.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not a stranger to governance and public service. Over the years, he has built an impressive political profile marked by loyalty, consistency and administrative competence. His experience in governance and his understanding of the political terrain place him ahead of many others in the race.
Beyond politics, POI has maintained strong ties with the grassroots. He is widely respected for his accessibility, humility and ability to connect with ordinary people. In a political environment where many leaders become distant after attaining power, Pastor Ize-Iyamu will continue to identify with the masses and remain relevant in community affairs.
Another major advantage working in his favour is his ability to unite diverse political interests. Edo South at this critical period requires a bridge-builder who can foster harmony within the APC and strengthen the party ahead of future electoral contests. Many party leaders believe POI possesses the maturity and political wisdom required to stabilise and reposition the party in the district.
There is also the issue of competence and effective representation. The Senate is not a place for political toddlers. It requires individuals with deep knowledge of governance, legislative understanding and the courage to defend the interests of their people. Supporters of POI insist that he possesses these qualities in abundance.
Political observers have also noted that his popularity cuts across different demographics, including youths, women and professionals. This broad acceptability has continued to fuel the momentum around his aspiration and increase anxiety within opposing camps.
As consultations intensify and the APC primaries approach, many leaders and supporters in Edo South are optimistic that the party will make the right decision by presenting a tested, experienced and widely accepted candidate. For them, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu represents stability, political strength and strategic leadership.
Without doubt, the battle for the Edo South Senatorial ticket will be keenly contested. However, judging by the growing support
base, political influence and widespread acceptance he currently enjoys, POI has clearly positioned himself as the man to beat.
The message from many quarters in Edo South remains loud and clear: the district deserves strong representation, and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu appears ready to provide it.
_Dr. Kelly Odaro, a public affairs analyst and political pundit, writes from Benin City_.
