Quit UBTH Before Contest, APC Group Tells Osifo

A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Edo4Asiwaju, has urged a former commissioner for Health in the state, Prof. David Osifo, to resign his appointment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) before pursuing his political ambition.

The group said it had become necessary for Osifo to exit both the classroom and clinical practice in line with public service regulations and ethical standards guiding political participation.

In a statement yesterday signed by its coordinator, Moses Edokpolor, the group maintained that public servants were expected to disengage from government employment prior to engaging in partisan politics.

According to Edokpolor, “With three years still left before his official retirement, the call for Prof. Osifo to exit the classroom and the clinic before entering the political trenches has reached a fever pitch.”

He added that, “Public Service Rules and the Nigerian Constitution are clear that public servants must resign within the stipulated timeframe before elections, while political ethics demand immediate resignation upon the commencement of partisan activities.”

The group further called on relevant authorities to ensure compliance, insisting that the constituency deserves “a full-time representative, not one whose loyalty is divided between public service and political ambition.

It also questioned the consistency of Prof. Osifo’s political stance, alleging that his actions raise concerns about his commitment and integrity.

“We are calling on the Minister of Health to demand an immediate letter of resignation from Dr. Osarumwense Osifo. Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode people cannot afford a ‘part-time’ candidate,” the statement added.

However, reacting to the development, Prof. Osifo dismissed the claims, urging the group to channel its energy into more productive ventures.

He said he remained focused on securing the APC ticket to represent Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon federal constituency in the House of Representatives.