By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Wednesday unveiled its candidates for the 2027 general elections in the state.
The event was held at Ehizua Event Central, along Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State capital where the party also introduced its Campaign Working Committee Caucus (CWCC) and charged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.
The candidates will contest the Senatorial and Federal House of Representatives seats across the state.
Unveiling the candidates and campaign committee members, the Edo State Chairman of the NDC, Engr. David Olukoga, urged them to take the party’s message to the grassroots, engage voters and work towards securing victory for the party at the polls.
Olukoga described the caucus members as the “think tank” for the party’s victory, while appealing to aggrieved members to shun violence, seek legal redress where necessary and embrace unity in the overall interest of the party.
He pleaded, “The primaries have come and gone. Some of us are still aggrieved. Please swallow the bitter pills and let us move on to ensure the party wins the coming elections.”
Other party leaders, including the State Secretary, Hon. Peter Ajigbe, State Women Leader, Mrs. Helen Osegbe, and Hon. Susan Osagiede – Edo South, also appealed for calm and urged members to galvanise voters in their respective units across the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the party in Edo Central Senatorial District, High Chief Peter Ojemen, urged members to close ranks and work together as one family to ensure the party’s success in the coming elections.
According to Olukoga, the party’s senatorial candidates, whose names he said had been successfully uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) server, are Comrade (Mrs) Osayuki Epelle Asemota for Edo South, Hon. John Yakubu for Edo Central and Madam Maria Osemojie for Edo North.
The party’s House of Representatives candidates are Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho for (Oredo), Osaro Omoruyi, (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha), Michael Ernest, (Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode), Charity Aiguobahueghian, (Ovia), Hon. Charles Agbonehi, (Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben), Rasak Obaro, (Akoko-Edo), Power Mohammed, (Etsako), and Frank Aigbedion, (Owan).
Hon. Olukoga, however, said the party’s candidate for (Esan North-East/Esan South-East) was still pending due to documentation issues with INEC.
“There are issues with some of their documents. So yesterday night, they were not able to conclude on it, but I am sure we might get them today or tomorrow.
“As soon as we have that, we will publish it and give it to the press. But for now, these are our House of Representatives candidates. Congratulations!” the chairman said.
Addressing journalists shortly after the event, Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial candidates, Hon. John Ehibhatioman Yakubu and Comrade (Mrs) Osayuki Epelle Asemota, respectively, expressed appreciation to the party’s leaders and supporters.
Hon. John Yakubu said the NDC was on a mission to rescue Nigerians from what he described as the hardship inflicted by the present administration, urging journalists and other Nigerians to participate in the political process.
“Take note of that, we are on a rescue mission to rescue Nigerians from the excruciating pain inflicted by this present administration.
“To that extent, I want even you behind the camera to be part of this journey of rescuing our people. I tell you this, take it home, because if you are not involved, the policy of government, whether you are involved directly or not, you will be affected by the policy of government,” Yakubu said.