2027: FRIES Urges APC To Set Benchmarks For Edo South Ticket

A policy and data group, the Fair Representation Initiative for Edo South (FRIES), has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt uniform performance benchmarks in selecting its candidate for the Edo South Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a report released on Tuesday by the Executive Director, Scot Oniawu and the Director of Research and Strategy Osarodion Ibizugbe, the group stressed that the party must prioritise measurable indicators such as voter base, federal leverage, ward-level presence and the capacity to address long-standing local government marginalisation, insisting that sentiment and recent defection should not override empirical evidence.

FRIES, which conducted an audit of six declared and likely aspirants, said its findings show that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu leads the field when assessed against these criteria, particularly in proven electoral strength, federal alignment and spread across the seven local government areas in Edo South.

According to the group, “The APC must apply performance benchmarks uniformly if it intends to retain electoral dominance in Edo South.

“The data clearly indicates that voter base, federal access, ward structure and equity considerations are not theoretical metrics but decisive factors in winning elections.”

The group further linked the choice of candidate to the broader political objective of the state, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo, requires strong and electable senatorial candidates to deliver on the APC’s projected 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“Governor Okpebholo needs all three senate seats to meet the party’s national vote target. Fielding a candidate with demonstrated popularity and structure is therefore not optional but strategic. On current evidence, Ize-Iyamu represents the most viable option for the APC in Edo South,” FRIES stated.

Highlighting equity concerns, the group pointed to Orhionmwon Local Government Area, which it said has not produced a senator since 1999 despite its voting strength, arguing that “correcting LGA marginalisation is both a moral and electoral imperative that can significantly boost turnout outside the Benin metropolis.”

The group urged APC leaders to remain consistent and data-driven in their decision-making process, adding, “this is not about personalities but performance. The party’s best chance lies in aligning its ticket with verifiable benchmarks that guarantee both fairness and victory at the polls.”