Edo Education Commissioner steps down, announces bid for Reps seat

Barely days after stepping down as Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu has officially declared his intention to represent Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Iyamu made his declaration at the APC Secretariat in Oredo Local Government Area, where he was received by key party stakeholders and supporters.

Among those present at the event were the State Secretary of the APC, Engr. Lawrence Okah; former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon; and former State Youth Leader of the party, Hon. Valentine Asue, alongside other party leaders.

Iyanu said that contrary to rumours in some quarters, he has been in the party since 2016 and has been involved in various empowerment projects in the constituency through his foundation without any political connection.

“I have been in this party since 2016, supporting it with all I have. Those who know Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu can attest to my commitment in building the party and supporting our candidates.

“In 2020 and 2024, I did the same thing. I went round the nooks and crannies of Oredo campaigning. I supported youth leaders financially to galvanise support and ensure we secured victory for our candidates,” he added.

“You can see the turnout of people here today. It means that they know I have done well as commissioner with all the developmental strides, with everything we did supporting my political leader and father, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to attract a lot of development to our people.

“So this goes to show you that they have so much confidence that if they entrust me with the seat of the House of Representatives, we will do more for them. So I am happy with my people and by the grace of God, victory is sure. The people have spoken loud and clear. And we believe in the coming days it’s going to be a very easy ride.”

Iyamu also pointed out his grassroots empowerment initiatives, especially among women and youths, as evidence of his deep connection with the people. He noted that since 2019, he has sustained women empowerment programmes across wards, including monthly support schemes in Ward 10.

“From 2019, I started women’s empowerment in Oredo, supporting businesses and families. In Ward 10, we introduced monthly empowerment programmes, and today, the results are visible. I make bold to say that I have the numbers and I won overwhelmingly,” he stated.

Reacting to criticisms from some quarters, Iyamu described allegations of being rejected at the ward level as false and politically motivated, maintaining that his track record contradicts such claims, emphasising that his political journey has been driven by loyalty and service to the party.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in Oredo, Dr. Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, called for unity among party members, describing Iyamu as a loyal party man who respects leadership and due process. He urged members to avoid internal conflicts as the electioneering season begins.

“Paddy is a man who respects the party and its leaders. Power belongs to God. If it is his turn, no one can stop it. We must stop backbiting and work together to build a stronger party,” Osarenkhoe said.

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