Abraham Jimawo Steps Down for Party Unity, Endorses Dekeri for Etsako Federal Constituency

Abraham Jimawo Steps Down for Party Unity, Endorses Dekeri for Etsako Federal Constituency

Habiba Sam 

In a move widely hailed as a sacrifice for party cohesion, Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo JP, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie, has stepped down his aspiration for the Etsako Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat and thrown his weight behind Hon. Sunday Anamero Dekeri’s second-term bid.

The decision was announced on May 14, 2026, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on May 13 at the Government House, Benin City. The meeting brought together all five APC aspirants from Edo North Senatorial District. 

Governor Okpebholo urged aspirants to make concessions in the interest of party unity ahead of 2027, advising that some should step down for a consensus candidate.

In a statement, Chief Jimawo said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and his supporters. He noted that while all five aspirants were qualified, the greater goal was to preserve unity and secure victory for the APC.

“This decision was not taken lightly. I am aware it may disappoint many of my supporters, but it was made in the overriding interest of party unity, cohesion, and victory for the APC in 2027,” he said. “For the peace and progress of our constituency and our party, I have chosen to place the collective good above personal ambition.”

Jimawo, who served as Executive Director of the Edo State Rapid Response Agency and chaired the Senator Monday Okpebholo for Governor Support Group in the UK and Ireland, said he had pledged to collapse his political structure and deploy his experience, network, and resources to support Dekeri, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership and commitment to party unity, and also thanked APC State Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe for his guidance. 

The former aspirant expressed gratitude to his supporters at home and in the diaspora, as well as the leadership of Project Jimawo 2027, for standing with him. He stressed that his withdrawal was not an end but a “strategic repositioning to consolidate the APC in Etsako and Edo State ahead of 2027.”

Having lived and worked in the UK for over 35 years, Jimawo said he would bring his broad experience in governance and administration to work alongside Dekeri to advance development in Etsako Federal Constituency. He revealed that he had personally financed Project Jimawo 2027 to the tune of millions of naira, describing it as proof of his sacrificial commitment to the people and the party.

“I urge all supporters to remain calm, disciplined, and united. Let us avoid rancor and divisive commentary. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we will deliver Etsako Federal Constituency and Edo State for the APC in 2027,” he said.

Party leaders say Jimawo’s gesture reinforces the APC’s push for internal cohesion in Edo North as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.