Mr Frank Pax-Osifo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Edo South Senatorial Election, has urged party members to unite behind his candidacy to reclaim the senatorial seat from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Pax-Osifo made the call while speaking with journalists at the Benin Airport shortly after returning from Abuja, where he received his certificate of return as the PDP’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
He urged party faithful to put the primary election behind them and work together to secure victory at the polls.
“I am a candidate that intends to bring all the forces together. I am a bridge builder, not a wall.
“We have concluded the primaries. We all have to come together now and be one to ensure that, as a united force, we perform well in the forthcoming election,” he said.
The PDP standard-bearer said his aspiration was driven by a desire to improve the lives of the people of Edo South rather than personal ambition.
“The election is not about me. It is about that graduate on the streets of Benin aspiring for greater opportunities.
“It is for that trader doing everything on a daily basis to feed his or her family. It is for that farmer investing time and resources to ensure that the communities of Edo South are fed.
“It is about people who believe that it is time for us to take a transformative step to ensure that the emancipation of our people is achieved,” he said.
Pax-Osifo, who said he was born and raised in Benin, pledged to provide a different style of representation anchored on accessibility, accountability and grassroots engagement.
According to him, previous representation of the district had been disconnected from the people.
“What we have had in the past is leadership that is disconnected from the grassroots.
“I want to become a senator that is different from others; a senator that is accessible, who listens, who brings people together and is ready to be honest and tell the truth at all times,” he said.
He identified insecurity and inadequate infrastructure as some of the major challenges confronting the seven local government areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District.
According to him, the prevailing security situation has prevented many farmers from accessing their farms, with implications for food production and livelihoods.
“Across the board, we have infrastructural deficits and security challenges impeding our farmers from going to their farms.
“Even though legislative business is about making laws to better the lives of our people, we can also sponsor bills that will guarantee the security and safety of our people so they can carry on their businesses and return to their farms,” he said.
Pax-Osifo expressed appreciation to the PDP for giving him the opportunity to fly the party’s flag in the election and expressed confidence of victory.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be the flag bearer of this great party and, by the grace of God, I will do my best possible to ensure that we achieve victory,” he said.
Also speaking, the Edo South Senatorial Chairman of the PDP, Mr Osaron Oseleomo, dismissed suggestions that the party had lost its political relevance in the state because of its internal challenges.
Oseleomo said the turnout of party supporters at the airport reception, organised within a short notice, demonstrated the PDP’s continued popularity.
“As you can see for yourself, this notice was given in less than 24 hours. We can gather this crowd, and that tells you that Edo State is PDP and PDP is Edo State.
“We are hopeful. We believe in the strength of the PDP in Edo State, and we can go out there, mobilise our people and win any election,” he said.
