Ahead of the 2027 general elections, candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have visited the secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to seek media support.
The candidates, including Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency and Richard Edosa for Oredo West and Osamuede Henry Edebiri for Oredo East constituencies in the Edo State House of Assembly, sought partnership with the media to project their electoral agendas and manifestoes to the electorate.
The candidates, in their separate speeches, described the media as an integral part of their electioneering campaigns.
They maintained that the media would enable them to effectively communicate their manifestoes to the electorate in their respective constituencies.
Speaking, Paddy Iyamu, the immediate past Commissioner for Education in Edo State, said his legislative priorities would include education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and youth development.
Iyamu added that his experience in public service had equipped him with the knowledge and contacts needed to attract developmental projects and deliver results for the people of Oredo Federal Constituency.
He said, ‘During my short tenure at the Ministry of Education, I facilitated the construction and commissioning of about 6.2 kilometres of internal roads at a state-owned polytechnic through engagements with relevant authorities in Abuja.
‘The experience strengthened my resolve to use the platform of the National Assembly to attract federal projects and advance the interests of my constituents.
‘My tenure also witnessed the reconstruction and remodelling of nearly 100 schools within one year, alongside improvements in classroom facilities and the provision of furniture for pupils.
‘Within the period, the administration began implementing aspects of the Safe School Initiative before the Federal Government’s intervention’, he said.
He described education as a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, tackling insecurity and expanding opportunities for young people.
The former commissioner assured that, if elected, he would prioritise legislation and policies aimed at making schools safer and more conducive to learning.
He said quality education would equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Iyamu added that his foundation had supported women through various initiatives, noting that he intended to expand such interventions if given the mandate.
On his part, Richard Edosa promised to continue prioritising initiatives that would improve access to healthcare services and support programmes aimed at enhancing residents’ well-being.
Edosa, a medical doctor and former lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), said his re-election would enable him to consolidate on his achievements so far.
Also speaking, Osamuede Edebiri pledged to build on his experience as a former appointee in previous administrations to deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents.
The candidates also promised to empower women, saying that improving women’s economic status would have positive effects on families and communities.
They further pledged to invest in youth development, noting that young people remained critical to societal progress and deserved opportunities to acquire relevant skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
Earlier, Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, the APC chairman in Oredo Local Government Area, who formally introduced the candidates to journalists, said they had completed the party’s selection process and were ready to represent the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Osarenkhoe, who expressed confidence in their chances at the polls, said the visit was aimed at establishing a cordial relationship between the party and the media ahead of the electioneering period.
He urged journalists to give the party’s candidates adequate coverage, expressing hope that the relationship with the NUJ would be sustained.