A former Executive Director of the Edo State Rapid Response Agency, Chief Abraham Jimawo, has been cleared by the All Progressives Congress screening committee to participate in the party’s primary election for the Etsako Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clearance marks a significant step in the businessman and philanthropist’s bid to secure the APC ticket to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Project Jimawo 2027 Organisation, Comrade Kenneth Oshiogwemoh.
According to the statement, the screening exercise took place in Abuja and was conducted in line with the APC’s guidelines for aspirants contesting elective positions across the country.
“The Project 2027 Jimawo Organisation is pleased to announce that Chief Abraham Jimawo was successfully screened and cleared today (Sunday) by the Party Screening Committee to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Etsako Federal Constituency,” the statement read.
“The screening exercise held in Abuja, was conducted in a thorough and professional manner.
“Chief Jimawo presented his credentials, policy agenda, and track record of service, which the committee found to be in full compliance with party guidelines and requirements.”
Jimawo, who is widely known in Edo North for his philanthropic activities and grassroots engagements, is seeking to represent the Etsako Federal Constituency, which comprises Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central local government areas of Edo State.
The constituency is regarded as one of the most politically influential federal constituencies in Edo North Senatorial District and has historically produced notable political figures in the state.
Political activities within the constituency have intensified in recent months as aspirants position themselves ahead of the APC primary election fixed for May 18, 2026.
Supporters of Jimawo believe his background in public service, private enterprise and community development places him in a strong position to emerge as the party’s candidate.
The statement by the Project Jimawo 2027 Organisation noted that the aspirant has continued to attract support from various groups and stakeholders across the three local government areas making up the constituency.
It further stated that Jimawo expressed appreciation to the screening committee for what he described as a transparent and credible exercise.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering effective and people-oriented representation if elected into the House of Representatives.
“This clearance marks a critical step toward building a constituency anchored on infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, youth and women empowerment, and responsible governance,” Jimawo was quoted as saying.
“We remain focused on mobilising at the grassroots level and engaging all stakeholders ahead of the party primaries on May 18, 2026.
“Our goal is to secure a mandate that will bring responsive representation and tangible development to Etsako Federal Constituency.”
Party sources said the APC screening process is part of broader preparations by the ruling party for the 2027 elections, with aspirants across various states undergoing verification of their credentials and eligibility.
The screening exercise is designed to assess compliance with constitutional provisions, party guidelines and requirements set out in the Electoral Act before aspirants are allowed to participate in primary elections.
The APC has continued to emphasise internal party processes aimed at reducing disputes and ensuring that candidates emerge through recognised democratic procedures.
In Edo State, political activities have steadily gathered momentum following the conclusion of recent local political alignments within the major parties.
Analysts say the battle for tickets within the APC is expected to be highly competitive, particularly in Edo North, where political influence and grassroots mobilisation remain key factors in determining electoral success.
Etsako Federal Constituency occupies a strategic position in the politics of Edo State, not only because of its voting strength but also because of its historical connection to influential political leaders from the region.
Observers note that aspirants seeking to represent the constituency are expected to focus heavily on issues such as road infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education and rural development, which remain major concerns for residents.
Jimawo’s supporters have also pointed to his involvement in humanitarian and empowerment initiatives across communities in Edo North as part of the reasons for growing support for his aspiration.
With the APC primaries drawing closer, political consultations and grassroots engagements are expected to intensify among aspirants seeking to secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 elections.
For Jimawo, Sunday’s clearance by the APC screening committee represents an important milestone in what is shaping up to be a keenly contested race for the Etsako Federal Constituency seat.