Paddy Iyamu stepped down from his position as Edo State Commissioner for Education and formally declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives. As reported by ALO360, the declaration took place at the All Progressives Congress Secretariat in Oredo Local Government Area.
The Declaration
Iyamu announced his intention to contest the Oredo Federal Constituency seat on Friday. The event drew a large crowd of party faithful and stakeholders to the APC Secretariat. Engr. Lawrence Okah, State Secretary of the APC, attended the ceremony alongside Uyi Igbe, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, former member of the House of Representatives, also graced the occasion with Hon. Valentine Asue, former State Youth Leader of the party.
Defense of Party Credentials
Iyamu addressed rumors questioning his loyalty to the party. He stated that he joined the APC in 2016 and has consistently supported the party since then.
“I have been in this party since 2016, supporting it with all I have,” Iyamu said. “Those who know Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu can attest to my commitment in building the party and supporting our candidates.”
He referenced his campaign efforts in previous election cycles. Furthermore, he highlighted his financial support for youth leaders to mobilize voters.
“In 2020 and 2024, I did the same thing,” he added. “I went round the nooks and crannies of Oredo campaigning. I supported youth leaders financially to galvanise support and ensure we secured victory for our candidates.”
Track Record and Empowerment Programs
The former commissioner pointed to his grassroots initiatives as evidence of his connection to the people. He noted that he launched women empowerment programs in Oredo in 2019.“
From 2019, I started women’s empowerment in Oredo, supporting businesses and families,” he stated. “In Ward 10, we introduced monthly empowerment programmes, and today, the results are visible. I make bold to say that I have the numbers and I won overwhelmingly.”
Iyamu also cited his work as commissioner supporting Senator Monday Okpebholo, who he described as his political leader and father.
Response to Criticism
The aspirant dismissed allegations that party members rejected him at the ward level. He characterized such claims as false and politically motivated.
“It is painful when people try to paint me as a stranger,” Iyamu said. “The same people know the role I played. My only ‘crime’ is my decision to contest.”
He maintained that his political journey has been driven by loyalty and service to the party. Additionally, he emphasized that his relationship with the state leadership remained cordial.
Party Leadership Endorsement
Dr. Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, APC Chairman in Oredo, called for unity among members. He described Iyamu as a loyal party man who respects leadership and due process.
“Paddy is a man who respects the party and its leaders,” Osarenkhoe said. “Power belongs to God. If it is his turn, no one can stop it. We must stop backbiting and work together to build a stronger party.”
