Edo South 2027: Edo Youth Group Urges Ize-Iyamu to Step Aside, Backs Ogbeide-Ihama for Senate

A group operating under the banner of the Edo Youth Renaissance (EYR) has called on Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to desist from what it described as “running from pillar to post” over the Edo South Senatorial District race ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the ticket has effectively been settled in favour of former House of Representatives member, Hon.

The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Coordinator, Igbinovia Osadolor, said its endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama was based on what it described as four cardinal principles critical to clinching the Edo South senatorial seat experience, electability, youthfulness, and antecedents.

According to the statement, Ogbeide-Ihama has distinguished himself in all four areas, making him the most suitable aspirant for the position.

“The Edo South Senatorial District race rests squarely on four cardinal principles: experience, electability, youthfulness, and antecedents. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has adequately satisfied all these requirements,” the group stated.

The EYR challenged Pastor Ize-Iyamu to present his political credentials against these benchmarks, maintaining that available records do not place him on the same pedestal as Ogbeide-Ihama.

The group highlighted Ogbeide-Ihama’s legislative experience, noting that he served two consecutive terms in the House of Representatives where he chaired the House Committee on Tourism and Culture, describing his tenure as evidence of his depth in legislative business.

It further described him as one of the most vibrant lawmakers from the South-South during his time in the National Assembly.

On electability, the group noted that Ogbeide-Ihama won both his 2015 and 2019 elections to represent Oredo Federal Constituency without judicial contest, which it said underscores his grassroots acceptance and political strength.

“In 2015, he secured victory from the opposition in Oredo, one of the most politically strategic local government areas in Edo State, with a margin of over 12,000 votes.

He repeated the feat in 2019, becoming the first representative in the constituency’s history to serve two terms and earning the title of a jinx-breaker,” the statement added.

The youth group also praised Ogbeide-Ihama’s longstanding engagement with Edo youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing him as a consistent pillar of support whose leadership has remained visible over the past 15 years.

On antecedents, EYR said the former lawmaker’s track record in legislative service and political consistency places him ahead of other potential contenders.

The group urged Pastor Ize-Iyamu to present his political scorecard for public scrutiny if he intends to remain in contention.

“What we have presented is only a scratch on the surface of what Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama brings to the table. The Edo South people deserve tested leadership, and that is exactly what he represents,” the statement concluded.