By Obinna Uballa
With the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses in Edo State, the political landscape has begun to take clearer shape ahead of the next electoral cycle. The exercise, which reset party structures across the state, has effectively laid the groundwork for the contests that will follow, particularly the race for the Edo South Senatorial District seat, The New Diplomat reports.
Introduction. ..
Although the next general election is still about ten months away, political calculations and alignments are already taking shape. Within the Edo APC, attention is increasingly turning to the Edo South senatorial seat, where a number of influential figures are either positioning themselves or being widely mentioned as potential contenders.
At the centre of the unfolding contest is the incumbent senator, Neda Imasuen, whose political journey to the National Assembly reflects the shifting dynamics of Edo politics.
Imasuen: Can he tilt the pendulum?
Imasuen won the Edo South seat in the 2023 general election under the platform of the Labour Party, riding on the wave of the Obidient Movement that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape during that period. He defeated candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC to secure victory.
However, the senator has since defected to the APC, a move that significantly alters the dynamics of the race. As the incumbent, Imasuen enjoys the advantages that come with holding office, including visibility, access to networks of influence, and the ability to mobilise resources.
A trained lawyer, Imasuen holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Maiduguri and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, United States in 2004.
Despite these credentials and the benefits of incumbency, the question many political observers are asking is: Can he successfully navigate the APC’s internal primaries, which is expected to be as competitive as the general election itself given the fact that he won his election purely by default?
Ize-Iyamu, seasoned political operator: Will luck smile on him this time?
Another figure whose name carries significant weight in Edo politics is Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Widely regarded as one of the most experienced political strategists in the state, Ize-Iyamu has built an extensive grassroots network over decades of political involvement. His organisational skills and influence within party structures have earned him a reputation as a formidable contender in any electoral contest.
Ize-Iyamu has twice contested the Edo governorship. In 2016, he ran as the candidate of the PDP against Godwin Obaseki of the APC, but lost to the powerful APC machinery. Four years later, he returned to the ballot, this time as the APC candidate, again facing Obaseki, who had defected from the APC to the PDP after a dramatic political intrigues.
Although he lost both contests, Ize-Iyamu remains a central figure in Edo politics. He previously served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Edo State Government.
A graduate of the University of Benin, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987 and has received several recognitions, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian Bar Association’s Benin Branch.
Many political watchers believe that if he chooses to enter the senatorial race, his experience and deep grassroots connections could make him a strong contender.
Ogbeide-Ihama, grassroots mobiliser: How far can he go?
Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama represents another influential voice that could reshape the contest.
The civil engineer served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing Oredo Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2023 under the PDP. During his tenure, he built a reputation as a grassroots mobiliser, particularly in Oredo Local Government Area.
Ogbeide-Ihama also made history by breaking a long-standing political jinx in the constituency when he successfully retained the seat during his re-election bid, a feat that had eluded several predecessors.
He later secured the PDP senatorial ticket in 2022 but lost to Imasuen in the 2023 election, and has since made a strategic move to the APC ahead of the Edo governorship election. That shift aligns him with the current ruling structure in the state.
Despite his established voter base and political experience, Ogbeide-Ihama is seen by many as incapable of advancing far in the raging intrigues for Edo South Senatorial race.
Asuen: business influence meets politics
Another potential player in the race is Valentine Asuen, popularly known as DVD.
A prominent businessman with interests across the oil and gas sector and other areas of the Nigerian economy, Asuen is said to represent the private-sector wing of political participation within the APC.
He was the party’s candidate for the Edo South senatorial seat in the 2023 election, bringing significant financial strength and organisational capacity to the race.
However, his relationship with the party structure has recently faced challenges. In August 2025, the Edo APC announced his suspension following allegations of actions considered capable of causing disaffection within the party.
Party officials said an investigative committee found him in violation of provisions of the APC constitution after he filed a petition accusing party leaders of unfair distribution of positions in Oredo Local Government Area.
Despite the setback, Asuen’s financial strength and political ambitions mean he remains a figure to watch.
Iyamu, emerging generation: No grassroots base
Rounding out the list of potential contenders is Hon. Paddy Iyamu, the current Edo State Commissioner for Education.
Appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo in January 2025, Iyamu represents a younger generation of political actors within the APC.
He studied Business Administration at the University of Benin and later obtained an MBA from the same institution. His professional experience spans banking and the oil and gas sector, including roles with Shell Petroleum Development Company and the NPDC/Neconde Joint Venture.
Before joining government, he also ran private businesses providing marine support services to major oil companies.
Young, energetic, and considered politically ambitious, Iyamu is viewed by some observers as part of a new generation seeking to reshape the political landscape in Edo State. However, he is believed to be too aloof politically with no grassroots base
A contest taking shape…
With several influential figures potentially vying for the ticket, the APC primary for Edo South could become one of the most closely watched contests in Edo politics.
Conclusion…
While declarations are yet to be formally made by most of the potential contenders, the early positioning suggests that the race could feature a mix of incumbency power, grassroots mobilisation, financial strength, and generational change.
As the political season gradually gathers momentum, Edo South may be headed for a fiercely contested battle within the APC, one that could ultimately determine the future representation of the district in the Senate.
