The Edo South APC ticket race heats up as six aspirants, including Senator Neda Imasuen, vie for the 2027 senatorial election
The contest for the All Progressives Congress ticket for Edo South senatorial seat has officially begun, with incumbent Senator Neda Imasuen among six aspirants vying for the nomination.
Also read: APC Suspends Former Osun Lawmaker Olatunbosun Oyintiloye
The seven local government areas that make up Edo South have already seen the early mobilisation of political structures by hopeful candidates.
Senator Imasuen, who secured his current seat in 2023 under the Labour Party, recently defected to the APC.
His entry into the party has made him a prominent figure, with supporters citing his empowerment of over 10,000 women, youths, and artisans as evidence of his capacity to deliver.
However, political observers warn that the race will be challenging given the presence of seasoned political warlords.
Past and present competitors include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Valentine Asuen, Lucky Imasuen, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu, a former Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government under Governor Lucky Igbinedion, is widely regarded as Senator Imasuen’s main challenger.
He maintains a strong political structure and reportedly enjoys the backing of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Valentine Asuen, former APC State Youth Leader and 2023 candidate for Edo South, draws support from former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, though he is currently suspended from the party over his alleged ambitions.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide seeks a return to the Senate and is also said to be courting Governor Okpebholo’s endorsement.
Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, campaigns under a political arrangement with Governor Okpebholo and the legacy PDP faction.
Lucky Imasuen, ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, remains a peripheral figure after losing the APC primary in 2023.
A senior Edo APC chieftain, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned electorates against promoting nepotism or favouring political office as a personal industry.
“Edo South must embrace a process that produces effective legislators with strong ties to underdeveloped communities. Placing unqualified individuals in key positions will continue to hinder progress,” the source said.
Political analysts note that Senator Imasuen’s victory in 2023 relied heavily on the Labour Party’s momentum with Peter Obi’s presidential campaign.
His performance in the APC, coupled with endorsements from local stakeholders, will be closely watched as the primaries approach.
Also read: APC Suspends Former Osun Lawmaker Olatunbosun Oyintiloye
With the Edo South APC ticket race attracting high-profile candidates and intense political manoeuvring, observers predict a competitive contest that could redefine political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
