UHUNMWODE, EDO STATE — Members of the Uhunmwode Media Team on Sunday paid a solidarity visit to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in Benin City, declaring support for his 2027 Edo South Senatorial ambition.
The move is significant because Uhunmwode is home to incumbent Sen. Neda Imasuen, who also seeks the APC ticket for 2027. Uhunmwode has produced three senators since 1999 — Roland Owie, Daisy Danjuma, and Neda Imasuen — making it the most represented LGA in Edo South.
Speaking on behalf of the group, financial expert Edosa Liberty said their support for Ize-Iyamu is based on “competence, preference, and solidarity with Orhionmwon” which has never produced a senator since 1999 despite its voting population.
“Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the man who will restore unity in Edo South and provide the leadership this senatorial zone truly deserves,” Liberty said. “Uhunmwode has always stood for competence. We are standing again with Orhionmwon because equity strengthens the entire district.”
The visit comes as the APC prepares for a competitive primary. Ize-Iyamu, who polled 223,619 votes in the 2020 governorship race and won six LGAs including Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon, has been meeting APC LGA executives across all seven Edo South LGAs since declaring at Ugboko Ward, Orhionmwon.
Political observers note that Uhunmwode backing Ize-Iyamu weakens the “incumbent LGA advantage” argument for Sen. Imasuen and signals that the primary will be fought on vote base and rural equity, not just geography.
The media team said its support is anchored on three points: Ize-Iyamu’s 223,619 proven votes, his active ward structure from 2020, and the need to correct Orhionmwon’s marginalization in Senate representation.
“Our work is to communicate that reality,” a member of the team added. “Edo South wins on rural-urban balance. Uhunmwode understands that Orhionmwon’s turn is overdue.”
