Paddy Iyamu has formally resigned as Edo State Commissioner for Education and declared his intention to contest the Oredo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration took place on Friday 20th March 2026 at the All Progressives Congress Secretariat in Oredo Local Government Area, where Iyamu was received by party leaders and a large turnout of supporters in a show of solidarity that underscored his standing within the party structure.
Addressing party faithful at the event, Iyamu dismissed claims questioning his grassroots relevance, pointing to a track record of consistent support for the APC since 2016. “I have been in this party since 2016, supporting it with all I have. Those who know Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu can attest to my commitment in building the party and supporting our candidates,” he said.
He pointed to his performance as commissioner and his empowerment initiatives as the foundation of his bid. “You can see the turnout of people here today. It means that they know I have done well as commissioner with all the developmental strides. So this goes to show you that they have so much confidence that if they entrust me with the seat of the House of Representatives, we will do more for them,” he said.
Iyamu highlighted his role in successive elections, particularly in mobilising voters for Governor Monday Okpebholo during the 2024 governorship contest, noting that he traversed communities within Oredo galvanising grassroots support. He also pointed to women empowerment programmes he has sustained since 2019 across wards in Oredo, including monthly support schemes targeted at women in Ward 10, as evidence of his connection with the electorate.
Responding to allegations that he was rejected at the ward level, Iyamu described the claims as false and politically motivated, insisting his record reflects loyalty and service.
The declaration drew prominent figures from Edo State’s political landscape. Dignitaries at the event included former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Ambassador Uyi Igbe, former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon, APC State Secretary Lawrence Okah and members of the City Boy Movement.
APC Chairman in Oredo Local Government Area Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe backed the aspirant while calling for unity within the party. “Paddy is a man who respects the party and its leaders. Power belongs to God. If it is his turn, no one can stop it. We must stop backbiting and work together to build a stronger party,” he said.
Iyamu was appointed Commissioner for Education by Governor Okpebholo in January 2025, taking over from Joan Osa Oviawe. Before that appointment he had served as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board. His exit from the cabinet to pursue legislative ambition adds another significant name to the list of politicians already positioning for the 2027 electoral cycle in Edo State.