Imasuen Seeks APC Return Ticket for Edo South, Cites Need for Ranking Senator

Senator Neda Imasuen has formally appealed to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South Senatorial District to grant him a return ticket ahead of the next election cycle. The appeal was made during his visit to party stakeholders in Benin City, where he declared his intention to seek a second term in the Senate.

During the meeting, Imasuen urged party leaders to adopt a precedent reportedly set in Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts, where incumbent senators have been endorsed for another term. According to him, such arrangements are designed to ensure continuity and strengthen legislative influence at the National Assembly.

He argued that if returned, those senators would automatically qualify as ranking members in the Senate, a status that carries institutional advantages, including committee leadership roles and increased influence in legislative proceedings. Imasuen maintained that Edo South should adopt a similar approach to avoid losing strategic representation at the federal level.

Highlighting the dynamics within the Senate, he noted that the chamber consists of 109 members and includes high-profile figures such as former governors. However, he pointed out that not all influential politicians automatically attain leadership roles without seniority. He referenced an estimated number of about ten former governors currently serving as senators who, despite their political stature, remain ordinary floor members due to lack of ranking status.

In his remarks, Imasuen emphasized that legislative effectiveness improves with experience. “The Senate is the highest law-making body in the country… it is not a place for a starter. When a starter goes, he goes to learn,” he said, suggesting that his initial term has equipped him with the necessary experience to contribute more meaningfully.

He further argued that Edo South risks diminished influence if it elects a new entrant instead of retaining an experienced lawmaker. According to him, “a fresher… is just going to be on the sidelines and watch things happen, and he cannot influence it,” stressing that continuity would better serve the district’s interests.

The senator also cited his current role as chairman of a key Senate committee, describing it as one of the most sensitive in the chamber. He added that this position has given him national visibility and closer access to legislative leadership, which he believes benefits his constituency.

Imasuen called on party leaders to set aside internal sentiments and focus on strategic considerations. He framed his request as being in the broader interest of Edo South, asserting that his return would enhance the district’s voice in national decision-making.

Additionally, he noted that his current standing in the Senate was partly due to the presence of many first-time legislators, warning that such an opportunity might not recur. He urged stakeholders to act decisively to secure continuity.

Supporting this position, political associate Orobosa Omo-Ojo disclosed that Imasuen has begun engaging with other aspirants, encouraging them to step down in favor of a consensus candidacy that would enable him to pursue a second term.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and senatorial leader, Pius Odubu, advised the senator to conduct his campaign responsibly. He urged Imasuen to avoid negative tactics and maintain decorum throughout the political process.

The call for a return ticket highlights broader intra-party dynamics within the APC, where decisions on candidate selection often balance merit, experience, zoning considerations, and internal consensus. In Nigeria’s legislative system, ranking status is a significant factor, as it determines access to leadership roles and legislative influence.

For many constituencies, retaining experienced lawmakers is viewed as a strategic move to maximize representation at the federal level. However, this often comes into tension with demands for political renewal and opportunities for new entrants.

Imasuen’s appeal reflects this balancing act, positioning experience and continuity as critical assets, particularly in a competitive legislative environment where influence can directly impact constituency development and federal resource allocation.

Senator Neda Imasuen’s request for a return ticket underscores the importance of experience and ranking status in Nigeria’s Senate. As APC leaders in Edo South consider their options, they face a strategic decision between continuity and renewal. The outcome will not only shape the district’s representation but also determine its level of influence within the National Assembly in the coming legislative cycle.