By Lucky Isibor
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has formally declared his intention to contest the Edo South Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested primary.
Ogbeide-Ihama made his declaration during a gathering of party leaders held at the residence of the Edo South senatorial leader and former Deputy Governor, Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu. The event drew key stakeholders from across the district, signaling early political alignment ahead of the party primaries.
Addressing party leaders, Ogbeide-Ihama stressed the importance of a credible nomination process, warning that the party’s chances in the general election depend heavily on getting it right from the outset.
“The primary of the APC is very critical to the electoral outcome for the party,” he said. “If we get it wrong at the point of nomination, there will be problems.”
He urged leaders to prioritize electability in choosing the party’s candidate, presenting his track record as proof of his ability to win elections even under challenging circumstances. According to him, his political history demonstrates resilience and voter acceptance.
“I have what it takes to win elections. I won election to the House of Representatives to represent Oredo Federal Constituency, and I broke the one-term jinx by winning twice back-to-back as a result of my performance,” he stated.
The former lawmaker also highlighted his legislative experience, noting that his eight years in the National Assembly have equipped him with a deep understanding of lawmaking and political negotiation.
“I have the requisite legislative experience to represent Edo South in the Senate. I spent eight years in the House of Representatives and understand the intrigues and politics at play in the National Assembly. I am more experienced than many of my Benin brothers aspiring for this ticket,” he said.
Ogbeide-Ihama further pointed out that his previous electoral victories came at a time when his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was not in power at either the state or national level. He argued that his current position within the ruling APC places him in a stronger position to secure victory.
“I won my elections when my party was in opposition at both the state and national levels. Now that I am in the ruling party, it will be easier,” he added.
On the issue of generational leadership, the aspirant called for a shift that accommodates younger voices while maintaining respect for established leaders.
“Generational shift is a global phenomenon. I belong to the emerging generation, and I seek the opportunity to also give younger people a chance to serve. I will bridge the gap between the old and the new,” he said.
Addressing concerns about divisions within the party and among aspirants, Ogbeide-Ihama emphasized unity among the Benin people, dismissing claims of political “outsiders.”
“All the contestants for the Edo South Senatorial ticket in APC are Benins of the same family. The notion of outsider does not exist. We are all Benin, and we should be happy when someone from another place supports our own,” he said.
Reacting to speculations about political backing, he added, “They say Wike is supporting me, but I don’t see anything wrong in that. Nobody will use sentiment to separate the Benin. I will represent the8 seven local governments. Our leaders, the journey that will end well, we must know from the beginning.”
Responding on behalf of Edo South APC leaders, a former House of Representatives member representing Ovia South-West/Ovia North-East Federal Constituency and a legal luminary, Hon. Ehiozogie West Idaosa (SAN) pointed out that Ogbeide-Ihama’s presentation was eloquent as he laid bare what it takes to make the voice his people loud on the floor of the Senate. Hon. noted that he is seeing in Ogbeide-Ihama, a Senator who would represent Edo South adequately and described him as one of the district’s “First Eleven.”
A major highlight of the event was the formal presentation of his expression of interest and nomination forms to party leaders. The documents were offered for prayers and blessings before being handed back to him by the APC State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah.
The declaration marks Ogbeide-Ihama’s official entry into the race, as party stakeholders begin consultations ahead of the APC primaries widely seen as decisive for the Edo South senatorial contest.