The National Democratic Congress, NDC, is set to reshape the political dynamics of Edo North Senatorial District by zoning its senatorial ticket to the Owan axis.
Party stakeholders describe the decision as a done deal. It underscores NDC’s commitment to empowering the Owan people and giving them a clear platform to actualize their long-sought political aspirations in the 2027 general election.
The NDC candidate for the Edo North senatorial election is Mrs Maria Iseme Osaimoje, a proud daughter of Ogute from Owan East council area.
She is married to Rev. Engr. Michael Dada Osaimoje.
Before her nomination, not much was known about her, but those close to her insist that she is politically astute, and her nomination could help the NDC win the hearts of the voting public.
Other regions in the district have long requested equity and fairness, but their calls have been consistently ignored. With no alternative, the Owan community has now turned to the NDC, seizing this opportunity to contest the senatorial seat.
The APC and the ADC have both nominated their senatorial candidates from Etsako, namely Sen Oshiomole and Prince Musa Braimoh.
In stark contrast, Mrs Maria Osaimoje stands out as the sole candidate representing both the Owan and Akoko Edo regions.
This positioning provides her with a significant advantage, as she is poised to secure a unified voter base, while the APC and ADC risk splitting the Etsako votes.
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Meanwhile, the ruling Edo APC has maintained its rotation policy, which allows the senatorial ticket to remain with the Etsako region. Currently, the incumbent senator representing the district in the Red Chamber is Sen. Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole from Etsako West.
Mr Jarret Tenebe, the outspoken chairman of the Edo APC, has publicly endorsed the decision to retain the district senatorial ticket in Etsako. This move tacitly supports Senator Oshiomhole’s bid for a second term and effectively closes the door on Owan and other contenders.
Before her candidacy, a group of political activists known as the Owan Conscience Group spearheaded a campaign highlighting the long-standing marginalisation of Owan and, by extension, Akoko Edo.
They emphasised that Etsako has maintained a stranglehold on the senatorial position for over 20 years, warning that this would extend to 24 years if the current trend continues.
In contrast, Owan and Akoko Edo have only had a mere four years of representation since 1999.
In one of her vision statement, Mrs Oisamoje described herself as “a woman who fears God.” Since her emergence, she has received positive reviews and acceptance among the people, and her political profile has been on the rise.
When discussing her prospects, Mrs Osaimoje asserted that they are bright, regardless of her gender.
She firmly underscored the role of God in her political journey, emphasising that her vision is grounded in her unwavering belief in God’s kindness and guidance in the affairs of men.
Criticising the current situation whereby elected representatives of the people are aloof and inaccessible, Mrs Osaimoje said she will be different, promising to streamline her work as a senator and also ensure she is available and accessible to her constituents
Additionally, she committed to working for the people, emphasising her goal of achieving shared prosperity.
She stated, “Edo North, under the NDC and with the support of the people, will be a government of the people, for the people.”
She urged the people of Afemai land to rise and put an end to one-man rule.
The NDC senatorial candidate expressed a belief in collective action, repeatedly stating, “Together, we shall build a society that is pro-people,”
