Edo South 2026: Ogbeide Ihama Banks on Legislative Experience, Seeks APC Senate Ticket

Edo South 2027: Ogbeide Ihama Banks on Legislative Experience, Seeks APC Senate Ticket

Habiba Sam Former two-term federal lawmaker, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, has thrown his hat into the race for the Edo South Senatorial seat, urging leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the district to hand him the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a consultation visit to APC leaders in the Edo South Senatorial District recently in Benin City, Ihama formally declared his intention to contest, stressing that his track record in the National Assembly makes him the most prepared among the aspirants.

“All of us seeking this ticket are qualified, no doubt. But I believe I bring deeper experience and stronger capacity to the table,” Ihama told party stakeholders. 

“Having served twice in the House of Representatives, I understand the workings of the National Assembly. The Senate is not a place for trial and error. Legislative business demands experience, and Edo South deserves a Senator who can hit the ground running from day one.”

He cautioned against treating the Senate seat as an experiment, insisting that Edo South needs a lawmaker with the political skill and institutional knowledge to attract “more senatorial dividends” to the district.

“A Senator must be able to navigate the complex politics of Edo South and still deliver for our people,” he said. “I represent a generation that is crying out for purposeful, results-driven leadership. As a vibrant youth, I connect with the struggles of young people and I also feel the pains of our elders. So this is about ability, capacity, and energy.”

Ihama argued that his age and vigor remain assets for the job, adding that he has the strength to champion the interests of all seven local government areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District.

Reeling out his scorecard from the House of Representatives, he pointed to projects including the installation of solar-powered street lights and the provision of vehicles to empower constituents. He pledged to scale up such interventions across the entire district if elected to the Red Chamber.

Responding, Edo South APC leader and former Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Pius Odubu, advised all aspirants to see the contest as a family affair. 

While noting that several contenders are jostling for the ticket, Odubu said only one candidate will eventually fly the party’s flag. He urged Ihama to conduct his campaign peacefully and focus on issues.