Emulate Edo Central, North, Imasuen Appeals To Edo South APC Leaders For Return Ticket

by Idahosa Musa

Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, on Tuesday appealed to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the district to emulate their counterparts in Edo Central and Edo North by granting him a return ticket to the Senate.

Imasuen made the appeal during a visit to party leaders in Benin City, the Edo State capital, where he formally declared his intention to seek re-election.

He noted that both Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts had resolved to return their serving senators, a move he said would ensure continuity and enhance their influence in the upper legislative chamber.

According to him, returning incumbent lawmakers would automatically confer ranking status on them, thereby strengthening their capacity to attract development and effectively represent their constituencies.

He urged Edo South leaders to adopt a similar approach to avoid losing strategic advantage.

The lawmaker stressed the importance of ranking in the Senate, explaining that experience and institutional knowledge play a critical role in legislative effectiveness.

“There are about 10 former governors in the Senate today, yet despite their influence, they remain floor members. That is not a situation we should willingly embrace,” he said.

Describing the Senate as an elite lawmaking body comprising 109 members, Imasuen argued that it was not a place for novices, noting that new entrants often spend valuable time learning the ropes.

“The period of learning is over. What Edo South needs now is a ranking senator who can effectively compete and deliver for the district,” he added.

He warned that sending a first-time senator to the chamber, while other districts retain experienced lawmakers, would place Edo South at a disadvantage in national legislative affairs.

Highlighting his credentials, Imasuen said he currently chairs one of the Senate’s sensitive committees and enjoys significant national exposure and access to leadership, advantages he said would be consolidated if returned to office.

“I did not go there to warm the bench. I have built relationships, I understand the system, and I have a voice that is heard,” he said, urging party leaders to put aside sentiments in the overall interest of the district.

The senator also argued that his current position was partly due to the influx of first-time lawmakers, warning that such an opportunity might not recur if he is not returned to the Senate.

He further outlined his achievements in office and pledged to build on them if given another mandate.

Speaking on the development, Orobosa Omo-Ojo disclosed that Imasuen was engaging other aspirants to step down in the interest of unity and continuity.

Earlier, the senatorial leader and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, advised Imasuen to conduct his campaign with decorum and avoid engaging in acts of calumny.