Today, APC members across Edo South will make a decision that goes beyond the ordinary mechanics of a primary election. The choice before the party is ultimately about direction, generational relevance, electoral strength, political coordination, and the future image of APC within Edo South Senatorial District.
From all visible indicators, one political reality appears increasingly clear: Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has emerged as the candidate around whom momentum, energy, and organic enthusiasm are rapidly crystallising.
This momentum did not arise from noise, emotional blackmail, or exaggerated political mythology.
It emerged from political reality.
Many party members see in him a compelling combination of youthfulness, education, legislative experience, political coordination, professional exposure, and electoral viability. In a political climate where voters increasingly demand competence, accessibility, articulation, and modern political engagement, his candidacy naturally resonates with a broad spectrum of APC members.
His appeal also extends beyond sentiment.
Engr. Ogbeide-Ihama represents the possibility of generational transition without institutional instability. He possesses the political experience necessary for serious representation while simultaneously projecting the freshness and broader marketability many believe APC presently requires in Edo South.
Credit must equally go to Governor Monday Okpebholo and other respected leaders of the party for sustaining cohesion within APC at such a crucial political moment. Serious political parties survive through discipline, coordination, and the ability of members to align behind broader collective interests once the direction of leadership becomes increasingly apparent.
That political maturity appears to be manifesting progressively across Edo South today.
Curiously, some persons have attempted to frame this primary election as though Edo South stands on the edge of civilisational collapse unless one particular aspirant emerges. Such arguments, while emotionally dramatic, underestimate the intelligence and political maturity of APC members.
No single politician is bigger than the Benin nation.
No single aspiration defines the destiny of Edo South.
The future of our people cannot be reduced to fear narratives, personality worship, or the suggestion that only one man possesses the capacity to speak for the Benin Kingdom.
The Benin nation has produced great minds across generations, and Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama himself stands as one of the finest expressions of that enduring political and intellectual tradition.
The desperate attempt by some interests to weaponise the allegation of Nyesom Wike’s support against Ogbeide-Ihama has equally failed to gain meaningful traction among discerning party members. Politics everywhere involves alliances, consultations, relationships, and strategic networks. Those pretending to be scandalised by perceived external support have themselves, at different times, sought political assistance, endorsements, and influence from powerful interests outside Edo State whenever it suited their ambitions.
What matters in the final analysis is not manufactured outrage.
What matters is capacity.
What matters is electability.
What matters is who possesses the ability to energise the party, attract wider support, and represent Edo South robustly at the national level.
Increasingly, many APC members believe that person is Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
Today therefore represents more than a contest between aspirants. It represents a defining moment regarding what direction APC members want the party to take moving forward.
By the end of today, the voice of APC members in Edo South will speak through the ballot.
Judging from the growing momentum across the district, that voice already appears to be gathering firmly behind Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
