Edo Commissioner Washington Osifo Resigns, Declares for Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Reps Seat

Dr Washington Osifo has resigned as Edo State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation ahead of his planned bid for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections.

Osifo announced the resignation in Benin on Wednesday while speaking with journalists. He said he is seeking the House of Representatives ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that his decision was driven by what he described as a call to serve his constituency at a higher level.

The former commissioner said his exit from the cabinet followed legal requirements guiding political appointees who want to contest elective offices. He said the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions require resignation at least 30 days before party primaries.

According to him, his action was taken in line with that rule and was also influenced by the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable for the 2027 process. He said with March already running and primary activities expected within a defined period from April into May, he considered it necessary to step down now rather than wait until the final stage.

Osifo made the declaration during a visit to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, where he said he came to formally brief the media on his intention.

He said he had served as commissioner on multiple occasions, including as Commissioner for Education during the Adams Oshiomhole administration, and that he now wants to move into federal legislative service.

Explaining his choice, Osifo said he believes he can contribute more through lawmaking and constituency representation. He said his aim is to open a new phase of service for his constituency, Edo State and Nigeria.

He also said his time in executive positions has given him broad government experience, including repeated membership of the State Security Council, but added that he is now looking for a new arena with different policy challenges.

Osifo said the House of Representatives race offers that opportunity and gives him room to pursue what he called fresh answers to public issues. He maintained that the decision is both personal and community-driven, saying he has received strong calls from people in the constituency to enter the race.

As part of early campaign preparations, Osifo announced the appointment of Evangelist Tony Osazuwa, PhD, as Director General of his campaign organisation for the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency contest.

The development adds to early political movements in Edo as parties and aspirants begin to position for the next election cycle. Osifo’s resignation now shifts his role from state executive office to open political mobilisation in his federal constituency.

He said resigning early would allow him to begin direct engagement with party stakeholders and voters in both local government areas before the primaries. In his remarks, he linked the timing of his exit to compliance and preparation, arguing that late decisions often weaken grassroots consultation. He also repeated that his move should be seen as an effort to take his experience from state-level executive work into federal representation, where he said constituency needs can be pushed through legislation, oversight and advocacy.