DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Benin groups back APC candidate Iyamu, resolving origin concerns

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A coalition of Benin socio-cultural and youth groups has endorsed Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
  • The endorsement follows the resolution of earlier concerns raised by some groups regarding Iyamu's origin and background.
  • Iyamu, a former commissioner, highlighted his commitment to public service, citing his foundation's work in providing free medical surgeries and youth empowerment programs.

A significant coalition of Benin socio-cultural and youth organizations has officially endorsed Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Oredo Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 House of Representatives election. This backing comes after the groups investigated and resolved previous reservations they had concerning Iyamu's background and origin.

We have heard a lot of misconceptions about Hon. Paddy Iyamu, and these misconceptions have been corrected, and that is why we are supporting him. We have to support our own.

— Mr Osaro IyamuChairman of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, explaining the group's decision to endorse Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

The endorsement ceremony, held at Imaguero College in Benin City, saw approximately 25 groups, including the Oredo Youth Movement Worldwide and Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, pledge their support. Initially, some groups had expressed concerns about Iyamu's heritage. However, they stated that their investigations had cleared up misconceptions, leading them to believe Iyamu is a Benin man deserving of their support.

Osaro Iyamu, Chairman of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, confirmed that explanations surrounding the controversy had been heard and accepted. Similarly, Kari Edosa, Chairman of the Oredo Youth Movement Worldwide, stated that their findings confirmed Iyamu's reputable background and corrected the notion that he was an Ijaw man, noting his father's residence on Sakponba Road.

We have found out that Hon. Paddy Iyamu is a man of pedigree. We have found out that he is not an Ijaw man. His father’s house is at Sakponba Road. We have got necessary clarification, and we are supporting him.

— Kari EdosaChairman of Oredo Youth Movement Worldwide, confirming the resolution of origin concerns regarding Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

Responding to the endorsement, Dr. Iyamu expressed his dedication to serving the people of Oredo Federal Constituency. He pointed to his past interventions, including the establishment of the Dr. Paddy Iyamu Foundation in 2014, which has provided free medical surgeries for conditions like fibroids and glaucoma, and offered youth empowerment programs across Edo State. The foundation's free surgery program is set to resume in November, alongside its annual food bank for the elderly. Iyamu also recalled facilitating the rehabilitation of a six-kilometer road near Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, through collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Whether I am campaigning or not, it is a covenant with God.

— Dr Paddy IyamuExpressing his commitment to public service and his foundation's work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog