Former Edo government agency head announces bid for House of Representatives position

A former Executive Director of the Edo State Rapid Response Agency, Abraham Jimawo, has announced his bid for the Etsako East/Etsako West/Etsako Central Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated contest in Edo North.

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Jimawo, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress and a United Kingdom-based politician, revealed his intention in an interview with PUNCH Online on Sunday, signalling the start of a fierce competition for the coveted seat.

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The Etsako East/Etsako West/Etsako Central Federal Constituency, known for producing influential lawmakers, is already attracting interest from various political actors across party lines as the 2027 election draws near.

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According to analysts, the outcome of the contest will likely be influenced by internal dynamics within the APC and the ability of aspirants to garner grassroots support across the three local government areas.

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Jimawo, who previously chaired the UK-Ireland support group for the Monday Okpebholo Governorship Campaign Organisation, stated that his decision to run was made after months of consulting with stakeholders and constituents both locally and in the diaspora.

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He emphasized that politics provides a viable platform for promoting inclusion and ensuring adequate representation, and his decision to seek the APC ticket is driven by his desire to serve his people.

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Jimawo noted that he has consulted widely before reaching his decision, and his constituents have expressed their desire for him to represent them, prompting him to seek the APC ticket to realize this dream.

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He stressed the importance of engaging in politics to drive positive change, saying that it is essential to work with leaders, including Governor Monday Okpebholo, President Bola Tinubu, Minister Engr Abubakar Momoh, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

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Jimawo also urged Edo residents to continue supporting the current administration, particularly in addressing insecurity and improving governance, highlighting the need for sustained collaboration.

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He cited his long-standing engagement with grassroots communities as a key strength, pointing to his interventions in education and support for small and medium-scale businesses as examples of his commitment to the community.

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Jimawo stated that he has been actively involved in grassroots development for decades, including providing scholarships for indigent students and supporting local businesses with his personal resources.

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He expressed his desire to provide the Etsako Federal Constituency with effective representation that would make the people proud, but declined to elaborate further, citing the fact that it is not yet campaign time.

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Observers have noted that the Etsako federal constituency remains a crucial battleground for both emerging and established politicians due to its strategic importance in Edo North politics.

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The APC's strong presence in the district means that its primary election will play a decisive role in determining the eventual occupant of the seat, making the party's internal dynamics a key factor in the outcome.

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As early declarations intensify, attention is shifting to the calibre of aspirants, their political structures, and their ability to build alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest.