Group backs Oghuma’s second term bid, cites experience

A socio-political group, Unity Voice, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State to support the second-term bid of Johnson Oghuma for the Etsako Federal Constituency seat in the forthcoming election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City, the group’s Protem Chairman, Abdulkareem Yakubu, urged the party not to sideline Oghuma amid growing contestation for the Etsako seat.

Yakubu described Oghuma as a committed and loyal party stalwart whose candidacy, he said, would enhance the APC’s chances of electoral success in the constituency.

According to him, the former lawmaker had distinguished himself as a grassroots politician with a track record of impactful representation across the three local government areas that make up Etsako Federal Constituency.

“Hon. Johnson Oghuma has consistently demonstrated that he is a man of the people, with an unblemished record in public service. We dare say he stands out among those aspiring to represent Etsako in the House of Representatives,” Yakubu stated.

He acknowledged the interest of other aspirants but stressed that legislative experience should be a critical consideration in the party’s decision-making process.

“While we recognise that others are interested in the seat, experience remains a key factor in legislative duties. Beyond that, Oghuma has remained loyal to the party and is one of its founding members.

The group further noted that Oghuma’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber was marked by constituency-focused projects and legislative initiatives that directly benefited his constituents.

“We are not unaware of his contributions, both in terms of projects and legislative interventions that addressed the needs of his people,” Yakubu said.

He appealed to the APC leadership to prioritise continuity and reward loyalty by granting Oghuma the opportunity to return to the National Assembly.

“We therefore urge the party leadership to give due consideration to his aspiration and avoid sacrificing his candidacy for another aspirant in Etsako Federal Constituency,” the statement added.