By Our Reporter
BENIN CITY — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Edo South in the 2027 general election, Mr. Frank Pax-Osifo, has unveiled a unity-driven campaign strategy aimed at reclaiming the district’s senatorial seat, declaring that a reinvigorated and united PDP is ready to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Pax-Osifo made the declaration on Tuesday at the Benin Airport shortly after arriving from Abuja, where he received his certificate of return as the PDP candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District election.
Addressing journalists and party supporters who gathered to receive him, the former aspirant called on PDP members across Edo South to put the outcome of the party’s primary election behind them and unite for the task ahead.
According to him, victory in 2027 would depend on collective strength, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the aspirations of the people.
“I am a candidate that intends to bring all the forces together. I am a bridge builder, not a wall.
“We have concluded the primaries. We all have to come together now and be one to ensure that, as a united force, we perform well in the forthcoming election,” he said.
The PDP flag-bearer said his aspiration was anchored on a desire to provide purposeful representation and create opportunities for residents of Edo South, stressing that the contest was about the future of the people rather than an individual political ambition.
He listed graduates seeking opportunities, traders struggling to sustain their families and farmers battling challenges in the agricultural sector among those whose interests would shape his legislative agenda.
“The election is not about me. It is about that graduate on the streets of Benin aspiring for greater opportunities.
“It is for that trader doing everything on a daily basis to feed his or her family. It is for that farmer investing time and resources to ensure that the communities of Edo South are fed,” he said.
Pax-Osifo, who described himself as a son of Edo South with deep roots in Benin, promised to introduce a new model of representation focused on accessibility, accountability and direct engagement with constituents.
He lamented what he described as years of disconnect between elected representatives and the grassroots, pledging to offer leadership that prioritises listening, inclusion and transparency.
“What we have had in the past is leadership that is disconnected from the grassroots.
“I want to become a senator that is different from others; a senator that is accessible, that listens, that brings people together and is ready to be honest and tell the truth at all times,” he stressed.
The PDP candidate identified insecurity and infrastructure deficits as major challenges confronting Edo South, noting that the difficulties faced by farmers in accessing their farmlands had affected food production and economic activities across communities.
“Across the board, we have infrastructural deficits and security challenges impeding our farmers from going to their farms,” he said.
He added that beyond lawmaking, senators could play a strategic role through legislative interventions and advocacy capable of strengthening security, improving livelihoods and creating an environment where citizens could thrive.
Pax-Osifo expressed gratitude to the PDP for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work tirelessly towards securing victory for the party in the 2027 election.
Meanwhile, Edo South PDP Senatorial Chairman, Mr. Osaron Oseleomo, has dismissed claims that the party has become weakened by internal challenges, insisting that the party retains strong grassroots support across the state.
Oseleomo pointed to the turnout of party members at the airport reception, which was organised on short notice, as evidence of the PDP’s continued political strength.
“As you can see for yourself, this notice was given in less than 24 hours. We can gather this crowd, and that tells you that Edo State is PDP and PDP is Edo State.
“We are hopeful. We believe in the strength of the PDP in Edo State, and we can go out there, mobilise our people and win any election,” he said.
 senatorial candidate for Edo South in the 2027 general election, Mr. Frank Pax-Osifo, has unveiled a unity-driven campaign strategy aimed at reclaiming the district’s senatorial seat, declaring that a reinvigorated and united PDP is ready to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}