Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives and aspirant for the Edo South Senatorial District, has defended his decision to seek political support from Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, during his campaign for the 2027 general election. Speaking at a formal declaration event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in front of APC leaders and chieftains in the South Senatorial District, Ogbeide-Ihama emphasized that seeking alliances is a normal part of the political process and should not be criticized.
The APC senatorial hopeful, who previously represented Oredo Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assembly, recently resigned as Executive Director, Corporate Services of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). He stated that politicians often seek backing from leaders across different regions, and such actions are not inherently wrong. “If it is true that I met Wike for support, there is nothing wrong in it. Everyone needs support,” he said, adding that if meeting Wike could secure him the party’s ticket, he would welcome it.
Ogbeide-Ihama went further to highlight that Wike’s support for him, a Bini person, should be celebrated rather than condemned. “He is sponsoring and supporting a Bini person and not a Yoruba, Igbo, or Delta person for the position of Senate. We are all Bini,” he remarked. He also pointed out that other aspirants have sought help from church leaders and political figures across Nigeria, indicating that political support is a common and necessary practice.
He recalled an instance where an aspirant sought his help to connect with a PDP chieftain in the Southeast, which he referred to Matthew Urhoghide, the former senator for Edo South. The person eventually secured the ticket and won the election, proving, according to Ogbeide-Ihama, that cross-regional support is not only acceptable but effective.
Despite his current affiliation with the APC, Ogbeide-Ihama alleged that during his previous re-election bid under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC-led government in Edo State destroyed his campaign billboards. “When I contested under the PDP, my campaign billboards were pulled down several times, yet I still won the election,” he noted. He expressed confidence that his chances are now stronger within the APC, where he feels he belongs.
He urged party leaders to prioritize experience over newcomers when selecting the senatorial candidate, citing his legislative record as evidence of his capability. Ogbeide-Ihama highlighted his achievements, including the provision of streetlights and empowerment programs for constituents, and promised to expand these initiatives across the seven local government areas in Edo South if elected.
Earlier in the event, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Pius Odubu, described the senatorial race as a “family affair” and called for peaceful campaigns among aspirants. As the 2027 election draws closer, Ogbeide-Ihama’s campaign underscores the importance of unity, experience, and strategic alliances in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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