WHY EDO SOUTH MUST EMBRACE EQUITY: AFTER 18 YEARS OF OREDO’S DOMINANCE, IT IS TIME FOR ORHIONMWON TO PRODUCE THE NEXT SENATOR — A CALL FOR JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, POLITICAL BALANCE, AND THE EMERGENCE OF PASTOR OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU AS APC CONSENSUS CHOICE

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N OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE APC IN EDO STATE

17/05/2026

On Equity, Fairness, Justice, and the Future of Edo South Senatorial District

Your Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,

The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State Chapter,

Party Stakeholders and Leaders Across Edo State.

I write this letter with deep respect, sincerity, and concern for the unity, progress, and political future of our great party and Edo State at large.

This is not a letter of bitterness, hostility, or division. Rather, it is a passionate appeal for equity, fairness, justice, and political wisdom in the handling of the Edo South Senatorial aspiration ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Since 1999, Edo South Senatorial District has had senators emerge from only a few local government areas. Oredo, Uhunmwonde, and Ovia North-East have all produced senators representing Edo South. However, local governments such as Egor, Orhionmwon, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia South-West have never produced a senator for Edo South.

Today, among the major aspirants seeking to represent Edo South in the Senate, two names stand prominently: Hon. Ogbeide Ihama from Oredo Local Government Area and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

By every principle of equity, fairness, and political balancing, it is safe to say that this is the turn of Orhionmwon Local Government to produce the next senator for Edo South.

Beyond sentiments and internal party considerations, there is also the larger question of electability and general acceptance among the people. From careful observation, political consultations, and the realities from previous elections, it is evident that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu remains one of the most popular political figures across party lines in Edo State today. His political reach transcends APC structures alone and places him in a strong position for the general election.

The party must look beyond internal alignments and focus on winning the general election. Politics is not only about party primaries; it is ultimately about the will of the people during the general election.

It is therefore troubling to hear widespread reports that government structures are allegedly being used to pressure party stakeholders into endorsing a preferred aspirant. The alleged involvement of acting local government chairmen, commissioners, party officials, and other appointees in coordinated endorsements raises concerns among party faithful and the general public.

With due respect, such actions may create unnecessary division within the party and could eventually weaken the APC ahead of the general election.

Your Excellency, history has a way of reminding leaders of the paths they once walked. We respectfully remind you how you rose politically under similar circumstances. When former Governor Godwin Obaseki allegedly attempted to influence who would represent his senatorial district, there was resistance because many believed the process should remain open, fair, and democratic. That resistance eventually reshaped the political outcome in Edo State, leading to PDP losing all three senatorial seats.

Wisdom demands that we do not repeat the same political mistakes that once worked against others.

Your Excellency should also recall how the people openly demanded a change in Edo central from the previous representation of Senator Clifford Odia that fairness required another local government to produce the next senator. Those voices were ignored by formal Governor Godwin Obaseki and the result was political defeat at the polls. Ironically, the beneficiary of that political change was Your Excellency yourself.

Sir, the system you once resisted should not become the same system being rebuilt under your leadership today.

As the father of the APC in Edo State, we humbly appeal that you provide a level playing field for all aspirants. Let the process be transparent, democratic, and fair. Let party members freely decide through acceptable democratic means without intimidation, coercion, or imposed endorsements.

When there is fairness, even those who lose will still support the eventual candidate in the interest of party unity and victory. But when imposition replaces justice, division becomes inevitable.

The strength of a political party lies not in force, but in fairness. It lies not in intimidation, but in inclusion. It lies not in personal interest, but in collective progress.

This appeal is not against any aspirant. Hon. Ogbeide Ihama is a respected son of Edo State. However, this is not the turn of oredo, justice and equity remain the foundation of lasting peace and political stability.

Your Excellency, wisdom is profitable to direct.

May God guide you to make decisions that will unite the APC, strengthen democracy, and preserve the trust of the Edo people.

God bless Edo State.

God bless the APC.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Evangelist Oduagbon Eddison Erhaighewu

(God’s Battle Axe)