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Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Esan West Constituency seat in the Edo State House of Assembly, Reverend Leo Olu Martins, has sent an expository message to the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Martins, former president of the Ambrose Alli University Students’ Union and a popular television political analyst, detailed the delicate political landscape of the Edo Central Senatorial District, highlighting why strategic zoning and his own candidacy are critical to the party’s success.
In his message, Reverend Olu Martins, who serves as the Lead Pastor of Hill City Church, praised Senator Dickson’s political foresight and proactive leadership style.
“Political foresight and proactive tendencies are one of the major characteristics of an astute Statesman and political icon..
“Fortunately for the Nigerian Democratic Congress, you possess both attributes in abundance. Sir, we must implore you to finish what you have already started by ensuring equity, balance and fair play as you have always done.”
Emphasizing that “politics is local,” Martins expressed confidence in his own electoral prospects, stating that as an Esan man and the bona fide candidate of the NDC for Esan West, “winning is important to me and winning we will.”
The assembly hopeful explained that a broad coalition of Esan stakeholders within the NDC has endorsed John Yakubu to secure the party’s ticket for the Edo Central Senatorial District.
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Describing Yakubu as a grassroots mobilizer, Martins noted that he is “adept with the politics of Edo State” and naturally commands the affection of the indigenous Esan people.
However, Martins warned that securing the senatorial seat requires a careful balancing act regarding the district’s House of Representatives ticket.
To maintain equity, he argued that because Hon. Yakubu hails from Esan North East Local Government Area, the House of Representatives ticket must be conceded to the neighboring local government that shares rotational representation rights with it.
Martins cautioned the party leadership against departing from the established tradition of oscillating key electoral offices between Esan North East (Uromi) and Esan South East (Ubiaja).
“It would be politically injurious to leave a whole local government void of electoral representation,” Martins warned, adding that failure to maintain this delicate equilibrium would create an immediate disadvantage for the NDC in the district.
Concluding his message, the cleric-turned-politician appealed to Senator Dickson’s veteran political instincts: “We love your doggedness mixed with compassion, but as an old hand in the game, we are sure that you also understand the necessity of a delicate balance which ensures a sense of belonging for all.”
