From Moshood Karim
Ahead of the Etsako West Local Government chairmanship election, the South-Ibie All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Leaders’ Caucus has thrown its weight behind the Uzairue clan, declaring full support for a candidate from the area in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the caucus meeting held on Sunday, 12 October 2025, at Ughieda, where leaders deliberated on the party’s strategy and power rotation within the local government.
The caucus, after what it described as “careful analysis and extensive consultations,” noted that it believes in a power shift from Constituency One to Constituency Two, insisting that “it is now the turn of Uzairue to produce the next council chairman.”
In a major political move, the caucus urged all sons and daughters of South-Ibie to withdraw from the chairmanship race, citing the need to reciprocate Uzairue’s past support, especially during the election of Hon. Gani Akokhia to the Edo State House of Assembly.
“This is payback time for Uzairue for their steadfast support,” the communiqué stated, adding that the caucus will back any qualified candidate who emerges from Uzairue in the forthcoming APC primary.
The meeting also cautioned all aspirants to maintain decorum and run issue-based campaigns, warning against divisive and abusive rhetoric.
On national politics, the caucus commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, saying his “stewardship is beginning to yield fruit,” and unanimously endorsed him for a second term in office.
Similarly, APC leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Senator Adams Oshiomhole, describing him as “vibrant and result-oriented,” and endorsed him for another term, alongside Hon. Gani Akokhia, dubbed “the new projects sheriff in town.”
The caucus further praised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his infrastructural strides, particularly the approval of township roads in Ughieda, and appealed for the speedy completion of the Aviele–Iyakpi road project.
In a show of solidarity, the South-Ibie APC leaders endorsed Governor Okpebholo for an eight-year tenure, pledging “unflinching support” to ensure his administration’s success.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Hon. Abas Braimah, Chief Alhaji Abubakar Umoru Akokhia (JP), Hon. Bawa Mohammed, and other caucus leaders.
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