SABONGIDDA-ORA — A former Chairman of Owan West Local Government and sports journalist, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Owan West Constituency seat in the Edo State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections.
The seat is currently occupied by Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and is positioning his re-election bid around retaining the Speakership for Owan West.
Ilaboya made his declaration at the APC Secretariat in Sabongidda-Ora, in an event attended by party executives from all 11 wards in the local government area, alongside a large gathering of party members.
Addressing supporters, Ilaboya expressed confidence in the party’s strength in the area, noting that Owan West remains a stronghold of the APC.
He said that his ambition is driven by a deep desire to ensure effective representation for the constituency and to secure tangible dividends of democracy for the people.
Reaffirming his commitment to the development of Owan West, Ilaboya commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as an unwavering commitment to rapid development in Edo State within just over a year in office, as well as efforts to unite the party.
“I am not afraid to take up challenges. It is the turn of Owan West to get it right, and the destination is the Edo State House of Assembly,” he declared.
He also praised the APC apex leader in Owan West, Chief Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as Tarex, for fostering unity among party executives and members and strengthening the party’s structure in the locality.
In his remarks, the Owan West APC Chairman, Hon. Frank Davids, welcomed Ilaboya into the race and assured all aspirants of a level playing field.
He urged them to conduct their campaigns with decorum, avoid mudslinging, and engage constructively with ward executives and members.
Davids noted that the mode of selecting the party’s candidate, whether by consensus or primary election had yet to be determined.
Also speaking, Ward 10 Chairman, Hon. Monday Jeremiah, commended the leadership of Chief Ohimai for uniting the party and appealed to executives to consider Ilaboya for the ticket, citing his “creditable performance” during his tenure as council chairman.
Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Ojo Asein, Hon. MacDonald Obasuke, Hon. George Amani, Council Secretary, Hon. Coker, the Edo North Senatorial Woman Leader, as well as several traditional chiefs and party stakeholders.