As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Abraham Jimawo, has appealed to the people of Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State to support his aspiration to represent them in the House of Representatives.
Jimawo made the appeal at the weekend during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, saying his decision to contest the Etsako East/Etsako West/Etsako Central Federal Constituency seat followed extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders and residents across the three local government areas that make up the constituency.
The APC leader said he undertook wide consultations with key political actors, community leaders, party members, youth groups and other stakeholders before arriving at the decision to seek elective office.
According to him, the consultations, which took him to several communities across Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central Local Government Areas, enabled him to better understand the yearnings and expectations of the people.
Jimawo, who holds the traditional title of Ilunamie of Three Ibie Clan, said the desire of the people for responsive leadership and quality representation informed his resolve to offer himself for service at the National Assembly.
He said he would soon seek the formal blessing of the APC to contest the seat, stressing that his aspiration was driven by a commitment to provide purposeful representation for the constituency.
“The greatest gift we can give our people is purposeful representation. Their voice would be heard loud and clear and I pledge to attract the dividends of democracy to every corner of our constituency if given the opportunity,” he said.
Jimawo noted that his exposure to global political systems had helped shape his perspective on governance and representation.
“I have travelled to over 20 countries in the world. This has given me a rare view of what politics represents in other climes. All I want is the opportunity to stand for our people in the parliament, using the platform of Africa’s largest political party, the APC,” he added.
He also emphasised the need for development-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people through policies and programmes that address education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
Jimawo previously served as Executive Director of the Edo State Rapid Response Agency, a position which enabled him to create massive job opportunities for the people.
He was also involved in initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery and emergency response in the state.
Beyond his public service career, he is also known for supporting various empowerment initiatives targeted at improving livelihoods in communities across the constituency.
His interventions, according to associates, have largely focused on education support schemes, healthcare assistance and economic empowerment programmes for youths and women.
A political associate of the aspirant, Comrade Umar Unuagbor, described Jimawo as a grassroots politician with a strong reputation for accessibility and transparency.
Unuagbor said the APC chieftain had over the years demonstrated a commitment to the welfare of the people, adding that his leadership style had endeared him to many within and outside the constituency.
“I have unfettered access to many politicians in Edo State, but I can tell you that Chief Jimawo is a genius. Whatever he tells you is the truth. His love for the people is second to none,” he said.
Preparations for the 2027 general election have gradually begun to shape political discussions across the country, even though the polls are still about a year away. Political parties have started internal consultations, while potential aspirants are engaging stakeholders and building alliances ahead of party primaries expected to hold closer to the election period.
Within Edo State, political actors have also begun early mobilisation, particularly as the state remains a key battleground for major parties seeking to consolidate their influence in the South-South region.
For aspirants like Jimawo, the consultations and outreach to constituents are expected to intensify in the coming months as the race for the National Assembly seat gathers momentum.
He expressed confidence that with the support of party members and constituents across Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central, he would be well positioned to offer the kind of representation that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people.