Edo ADC unveils 36 candidates for 2027 Elections as Iduoriyekemwen secures Edo South ticket

The African Democratic Congress in Edo State has unveiled 36 candidates to represent the party in the 2027 general elections, signaling a growing push by the opposition platform to challenge the dominance of the ruling parties in the state.

Among the prominent candidates is former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, who emerged as the party’s candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.

The party announced the outcome of its primary elections following a state convention held at its secretariat in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.

Iduoriyekemwen, a longtime political figure in Edo State, previously served as a two-term lawmaker representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency and later held the position of Majority Leader in the State Assembly. He also served as Edo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain contested the Edo South senatorial seat in the 2023 elections before moving to the ADC ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Party officials said the emergence of the full slate of candidates reflects the ADC’s intention to strengthen its presence across Edo State and position itself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the development also highlights growing dissatisfaction among some politicians within the major parties, particularly over internal party processes and candidate selection procedures.

Several politicians and grassroots mobilizers from both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress are believed to have aligned with the ADC in recent months as political realignments continue ahead of the polls.

Speaking after accepting his nomination, Iduoriyekemwen said the ADC was committed to promoting transparent leadership and inclusive governance in Edo State.

The party’s primary elections were concluded without major disputes or parallel congresses, a development party leaders described as a sign of internal stability as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.