Edo PDP lawmaker Uzamere rejects defection, backs party

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) opens its doors for members of other political parties to join, the member representing Ovia North East Constituency II at the Edo State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Andrew Edobor Uzamere, has said that he cannot trade the mandate of his people for a bowl of porridge.

He said this while presenting his two-year scorecard as a member representing Ovia North East Constituency II at the State Assembly, explaining that the mandate given to him by his constituency is sacred and he cannot treat it with levity.

“The mandate of my people, I don’t take it with levity. It is sacred to me. So, I can’t be given a mandate on the platform of PDP and jettison that platform for personal gains? No. My name and integrity matter quite a lot to me.

“Yes, as an elected member at the House of Assembly and on the platform of PDP, I represent the entire people of Ovia North East Constituency II, irrespective of their political leanings, whether APC or Labour, as the case may be. I represent everybody in the constituency, yet I was elected on the platform of the PDP, and that is sacred to me.

“So, I will not trade my integrity just because of a bowl of porridge. I won my election, and I can win again regardless of the political uncertainties,” Uzamere said.

The PDP lawmaker, while speaking on the crises that have rocked the party in recent times, said the party would overcome its challenges soon.

“For PDP, I am sure, it is just part of politics. The intrigues and other shenanigans of different political leaders, and I am sure before the 2027 election, PDP will bounce back.

“There is no party that doesn’t have issues and challenges. PDP is just going through its own situation as it is, and I am certain that within the shortest possible time, everything will be over,” Uzamere added.

Speaking on his achievements within two years, he said that he has provided almost 20 communities with boreholes and schools, explaining that he attended to the communities according to their needs.

He said he has also worked on bringing healthcare services to his constituents, including plans to renovate primary healthcare centres and conduct medical outreach clinics.