The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, Hon. Don-Pax Osifo, has expressed confidence that the party will reclaim the district in the 2027 general election despite its internal challenges.
Osifo made the declaration on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the Benin Airport shortly after arriving in Benin City, where he was received by a large crowd of party supporters ahead of a roadshow through the city.
Accompanied by the PDP Edo South Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Osaro Iselemon, the senatorial candidate urged party members to put the party's internal disagreements behind them and work together to secure victory at the polls.
He said the primary election had been concluded and stressed that the party must now unite to pursue its common goal of winning the forthcoming election.
According to Osifo, the 2027 election is about improving the lives of ordinary people across the district, including unemployed graduates, traders, farmers and other residents seeking better opportunities.
He identified insecurity and infrastructural deficits as major challenges confronting Edo South, noting that they would be among his top priorities if elected to the Senate.
Osifo said insecurity has continued to prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands, thereby threatening food production and the livelihoods of rural communities.
While acknowledging that lawmaking is the primary responsibility of legislators, he said members of the National Assembly could sponsor laws and support initiatives that would enhance security and create an enabling environment for economic activities.
"I am a bridge builder. We are not at war. We have done the primaries; we all have to come together now to be one and ensure that we move as a united force. If we do that, we will perform well in the forthcoming election," he said.
Also speaking, the Edo South Senatorial Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Osaro Iselemon, described the large turnout of supporters at the airport as evidence of the party's enduring popularity in the state.
He noted that the notice for the airport reception was given less than 24 hours earlier, yet thousands of supporters turned out to welcome the candidate.
According to Iselemon, the impressive turnout demonstrates the PDP's strength and readiness to mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in Edo South and other parts of the state.
