Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a Benin socio-political group, the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to refrain from interfering in the political affairs of Edo South Senatorial District.
The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday, expressed strong opposition to the reported senatorial ambition of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who is allegedly being positioned as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Edo South.
According to the group, the arrangement was purportedly facilitated by Wike ahead of the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo State, a development they claimed involved securing the backing of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.
The statement, jointly signed by the President and Assistant Secretary of the movement, Mr Iyamu Osaro and Mr Ewere Uhunoma, alleged that Ogbeide-Ihama’s political history, particularly his support for the re-election of former Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, undermines his suitability to represent the Benin people.
They argued that despite what they described as Obaseki’s anti-people and anti-palace policies, Ogbeide-Ihama aligned with him at a critical moment, an action the group said many in Edo South viewed as a betrayal of public trust.
“Edo South will not accept political arrangements or compensation politics masquerading as representation,” the group stated.
“We unequivocally reject the idea of Ogbeide-Ihama representing Edo South in the Senate. His conduct during the 2020 governorship election raises serious questions about his loyalty and commitment to the people. He abandoned his gubernatorial ambition and openly aligned with Obaseki, a decision that disappointed many in the district.”
The group also accused Ogbeide-Ihama of failing to take a clear position during controversies surrounding the custody and ownership of returned stolen artefacts, an issue they said was of deep cultural significance to the Benin people.
The statement further alleged that Wike was actively promoting Ogbeide-Ihama, insisting that the FCT minister lacked the moral and political authority to influence or impose a senatorial candidate on Edo South.
“Edo South is not a testing ground for external political interests. Nyesom Wike is strongly advised to stay out of our internal political matters,” the group warned.
They added that presenting what they described as an unacceptable senatorial aspirant would amount to repeating ineffective representation, stressing that the Edo South Senate seat must not be reduced to a reward or compensation for political alliances.
“The senatorial ticket must be earned by individuals committed to accountability, justice, cultural respect and genuine service to the people,” the statement said.
The group also urged Wike, Ogbeide-Ihama and all those backing the alleged plan to abandon it, warning that Edo South residents are politically aware and would resist any attempt to impose an unfit candidate.