Benin Group Rejects Wike’s Influence

The political landscape of Edo South is already heating up as local stakeholders begin to draw battle lines against perceived external interference ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a sharp and decisive move, a prominent socio-political organization in the region has sent a clear message to the nation’s capital, warning that the district is not open for political engineering by outsiders.

The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, a Benin-based group known for its vocal stance on regional interests, has explicitly cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to steer clear of Edo South’s internal affairs. This warning marks a significant escalation in the regional pushback against high-profile political figures attempting to shape local outcomes from a distance.

At the heart of the dispute is the reported senatorial ambition of Honorable Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. The former member of the House of Representatives is allegedly being groomed to run for the Edo South Senate seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress. However, the movement claims this bid is not a grassroots emergence but rather a pre-arranged political reward facilitated by Wike.

According to the group, this purported arrangement dates back to the political maneuvering that preceded the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State. They allege that Wike played a pivotal role in aligning a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party with the APC, and that Ogbeide-Ihama’s senatorial ticket is the “compensation” for that alliance.

In a joint statement signed by the movement’s President, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, and the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ewere Uhunoma, the group expressed fierce opposition to this plan. They argue that the people of Edo South are tired of “mercenary politics” where representation is traded like a commodity between powerful godfathers.

The group’s grievances against Ogbeide-Ihama are not merely based on his current affiliations but are rooted in his past political conduct. They specifically highlighted his actions during the 2020 governorship election, where he withdrew his gubernatorial bid to support former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s re-election.

At that time, the Aiguobasinmwin Movement claims, Obaseki was pursuing policies that were widely seen as detrimental to the people and disrespectful to the traditional institutions of the Benin Kingdom. By aligning with Obaseki at such a sensitive moment, the group argues that Ogbeide-Ihama betrayed the trust of the electorate and showed a lack of loyalty to his constituents.

For the Benin people, political representation is deeply intertwined with cultural identity. The movement pointed out that Ogbeide-Ihama failed to take a firm stand during the high-stakes controversy regarding the ownership and custody of returned Benin artefacts. This issue, which touches the very soul of the kingdom’s heritage, remains a litmus test for any politician seeking to lead the district.

The statement issued on Wednesday was uncharacteristically blunt, stating that Edo South will no longer accept “compensation politics” masquerading as genuine representation. They believe that choosing a representative should be the exclusive right of the people, based on merit, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to justice.

Nyesom Wike, though a powerhouse in Nigerian politics, was told in no uncertain terms that he lacks the moral authority to dictate who represents the Benin people. The group warned that his influence, while perhaps effective in other regions, would meet a brick wall in Edo South. They described the attempt to impose a candidate as an insult to the intelligence of the local voters.

The movement further cautioned that repeating “ineffective representation” by recycling politicians who prioritize external alliances over local needs would only lead to further underdevelopment. They insist that the Senate seat is a sacred office that must be earned through a track record of service, not handed out as a trophy for political loyalty.

There is a growing sense of regional consciousness within the Benin kingdom that views external meddling as a threat to their autonomy. The Aiguobasinmwin Movement’s stance reflects a broader sentiment that the district must decide its own destiny without the shadow of Abuja or Port Harcourt looming over the ballot box.

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, this early intervention serves as a warning to all political parties. The movement urged Wike, Ogbeide-Ihama, and their backers to abandon the alleged plan immediately. They noted that the residents of Edo South are more politically aware than ever and are prepared to resist any attempt to foist an “unfit” candidate upon them.

This development sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown. If the APC proceeds with Ogbeide-Ihama as their candidate, they may find themselves fighting not just an opposition party, but a formidable wave of local sentiment focused on cultural dignity and political independence.

The message from the Aiguobasinmwin Movement is simple: Edo South is not a satellite state for any political actor. As the countdown to 2027 begins, the eyes of the nation will be on the Benin heartland to see if the people’s will can indeed overcome the machinery of the political elite.