Former House of Representatives member Omoregie Ogbeide‑Ihama, now an APC senatorial aspirant for Edo South, said there is nothing improper about seeking political support from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State.
Speaking to All Progressives Congress leaders and traditional rulers in the South Senatorial District on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Ogbeide‑Ihama defended his reported meeting with Wike. He told the gathering that alliances are a normal part of Nigeria’s political landscape and that any assistance that helps a candidate secure a party ticket should be welcomed, not condemned.
“I heard some people say I went to meet the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for help in getting the party’s ticket,” he said. “If that is true, there is nothing wrong with it. Everyone needs support, and if meeting him can guarantee the ticket, I am fine with it.”
He added that Wike’s backing of a Bini candidate should be praised, noting that the Minister has historically helped politicians from various ethnic groups. Ogbeide‑Ihama also referenced other aspirants who have courted religious leaders across the country for endorsements, illustrating that cross‑regional networking is common practice.
The former representative, who served Oredo Federal Constituency during the 8th and 9th National Assemblies, recounted an episode in which a colleague asked him to connect a hopeful with a PDP chieftain in the Southeast. He referred the request to former Edo South senator Matthew Urhoghide, who facilitated the introduction, leading to the aspirant winning the election. “If an Edo politician can support someone in the Southeast, there is nothing stopping Wike from supporting me,” Ogbeide‑Ihama argued.
He also accused the APC‑led Edo State government of previously destroying his campaign billboards during a re‑election bid as a PDP candidate. Despite the setbacks, he said he still won that election, and now, as a member of the APC, he expects a smoother path to the Senate.
Ogbeide‑Ihama urged party officials to award the senatorial ticket to the most qualified candidate, emphasizing the need for experience in the upper chamber. He highlighted his legislative record, including street‑light installations and constituency empowerment projects, and promised to extend similar initiatives across the seven local government areas of Edo South if elected.
The declaration comes as the APC conducts internal primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Edo Deputy Governor Pius Odubu earlier described the senatorial contest as a “family affair” and called for peaceful campaigning among aspirants.
