As political activities gain momentum ahead of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the 2027 general elections, stakeholders and voters in Oredo Federal Constituency have intensified calls for the return of Hon. Esosa Iyawe as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
The stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews, described Iyawe as the best-performing federal lawmaker from Edo State, citing his legislative contributions, constituency projects, and empowerment initiatives as reasons he deserves a second term. Hon. Esosa Iyawe, a trained and certified engineer, currently represents Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
According to the stakeholders, the lawmaker has delivered impactful representation within his first term, insisting that “there is no vacancy” in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections. They appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to support Iyawe’s return to the National Assembly and honor what they described as an earlier understanding that the lawmaker would remain the APC standard bearer for the constituency.
The supporters warned that replacing Iyawe with another candidate could negatively affect the APC’s chances in Oredo Federal Constituency, noting that the lawmaker has built a formidable political structure and strong grassroots support through his performance and accessibility.
Legislative Achievements
One of the stakeholders described Iyawe as one of the most active members of the current National Assembly, noting that he has sponsored several motions addressing key national and economic issues. Among the motions credited to him are calls for the revitalization of the Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo State through inclusion in the 2024 federal budget, investigation into alleged irregularities in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and a demand for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to disclose details of investments tied to the Excess Crude Account (ECA), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), and royalty accounts.
The lawmaker was also praised for sponsoring motions seeking improved patronage for local textile manufacturers by government agencies, investigation into alleged tax under-remittances by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and conversion of forfeited properties into government office facilities to reduce public expenditure on rents.
Another stakeholder, Elder Eriwo, commended Iyawe for moving motions on the proposed increase in MultiChoice subscription prices, controversial remarks made by officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) concerning Dangote Refinery, and alleged deviations from approved federal housing estate master plans.
Bills and Policy Initiatives
The stakeholders further highlighted motions sponsored by the lawmaker on the adoption of renewable energy across federal MDAs, accountability in the valuation and management of public assets, and the need to investigate the establishment and funding of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City.
Speaking on the APC primaries, an Oredo indigene urged Governor Okpebholo to allow Iyawe continue what he described as “quality representation” at the National Assembly. “The governor should support Hon. Esosa Iyawe for a second term because his achievements are visible to everyone. He has justified the confidence reposed in him by the people,” he said.
The stakeholders also commended Iyawe’s legislative record, noting that he sponsored several bills, including the National Public Asset Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, National Skills Development and Empowerment Bill, Federal Universities of Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, Nigerian Ports Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, and the Digital Health Services Establishment Bill.
Other bills sponsored by him include the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Bill, Ride-Hailing and Smart Mobility Bill, and the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act (Amendment) Bill.
Constituency Projects and Empowerment
Beyond legislative duties, the stakeholders said the lawmaker has executed several constituency projects and empowerment programs that have directly impacted residents of Oredo Federal Constituency. These include a food bank program that reportedly provided free food palliatives to over 4,000 constituents for 10 months, donation of over 70 mini buses to youths, free medical outreaches conducted simultaneously in three locations, and free eye surgeries for more than 50 residents.
They also listed the donation of 41 computers and solar power systems to New Era School, installation of over 1,000 streetlights across Oredo, distribution of 100 sewing machines and makeup kits to constituents, and donation of medical equipment to the New Benin Primary Healthcare Centre.
Other projects attributed to the lawmaker include annual cultural orientation and quiz competitions for public schools, free JAMB and WAEC registration for over 1,000 students yearly, scholarships for indigent students, annual palliative distribution to the Muslim community, and the HIFOT football tournament for clubs across Oredo.
The stakeholders further noted that Iyawe facilitated the renovation and construction of classroom blocks and toilets at Odia College in Evbodia Community, distributed 50 motorcycles to constituents, renovated several abattoirs in Benin City, and disbursed grants to over 1,000 market women.
They maintained that, considering his performance in office and visible grassroots impact, Hon. Esosa Iyawe remains the most qualified candidate to fly the APC flag in Oredo Federal Constituency in 2027.
