Edo South 2027: Osifo Urges Issue-Based Politics, Defends Epelle-Asemota’s Candidacy, Calls for Merit and Unity
The pioneer Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and two-time Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Dr. Isaiah Osifo, has called on political stakeholders in Edo South Senatorial District to embrace issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that competence, character, merit, and proven service should determine electoral choices.
Osifo made the call while reacting to what he described as attempts by some individuals to undermine the emergence of Comrade Mrs. Osayuki Epelle-Asemota as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Edo South, as well as criticisms directed at the National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson.
He urged politicians and stakeholders to focus on ideas, policies, and leadership capacity rather than personal attacks, ethnic sentiments, or narratives capable of creating division among the people.
According to Osifo, Epelle-Asemota’s emergence as the NDC candidate was a product of her credentials, experience, and years of dedicated service to Edo State and Nigeria.
He described her as a distinguished educationist, retired Principal, and former Director in the Edo State Public Service, noting that she built a reputation for discipline, integrity, and excellence throughout her professional career.
Osifo stated that her contributions to education and human development remain visible through the testimonies of thousands of former students and colleagues across institutions where she served, including Edo College, Imaguero College, Emotan College, Niger College, Ugiomo Secondary School, Eweka Grammar School, and other schools across the state.
He maintained that her professional achievements, leadership experience, and commitment to public service are the qualities that should define political discussions around her candidacy.
Addressing concerns surrounding her background, Osifo cautioned against using ancestry or heritage as a political weapon, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and unity.
He explained that Epelle-Asemota’s family background represents the bond between different Nigerian communities, noting that while her maternal roots are Benin and her husband is also from Benin, her late father, a respected Mobil engineer, was of Ijaw heritage.
“Political disagreements should never descend into ethnic profiling or attempts to divide our people along ancestral lines,” Osifo stated.
He highlighted the historic relationship between the Benin and Ijaw peoples, referencing the contributions and relationships of prominent Nigerians such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Seriake Dickson, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and the late former Governor of Edo State, General Samuel Ogbemudia, as examples of leaders whose relationships transcended ethnic boundaries.
Osifo said the Edo South senatorial contest should be about issues that affect the people, including economic development, education, security, youth empowerment, women's inclusion, and quality representation.
He argued that Epelle-Asemota’s background in education, labour activism, and grassroots engagement gives her the experience needed to provide effective representation at the National Assembly.
“The people of Edo South deserve leadership built on character, credibility, competence, and proven service. Elections should be contests of ideas and not platforms for misinformation or division,” he said.
The NDC also reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based politics, describing Epelle-Asemota’s emergence as the party’s candidate as a reflection of democratic values, competence, and experience.
The party urged all political actors to maintain civility and respect throughout the electoral process, insisting that voters should judge candidates based on their records, capacity, and vision for the future.
The party expressed confidence that the people of Edo South would ultimately make their choice based on merit, unity, integrity, and the ability of candidates to deliver meaningful representation.
Comrade (Dr. Mrs.) Osayuki Bridgitte Epelle-Asemota is contesting on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Edo South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general election.
