Hon. Sylvanus Igbogbo, is a chieftain of the All progressives Congress (APC). He is a former caretaker committee Chairman of Igueben Local Government Area; he was the general campaign coordinator in Esan Central to former Governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki during his first election.
He has also served the state in various capacities. He is now in the race to represent the good people of Igueben at Federal House of Representatives at the general elections in 2027. In this interview with OJIEVA EHIOSUN, he spoke on a number of national issues. Excerpts:
Sir, may we meet you?
I’m Hon. Sylvanus Igbogbo, from Ekpon in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State. One of the top members that formed the APC in Edo State. I have served the party in different categories. I believe in the philosophy of our great party, APC,
Now you are in race for the national Assembly elections coming up next year; why do you think you have the qualities to represent the good people of Igueben Federal Constituency?
You tell a ripe corn by its look. All my life, I have been in the political terrain. I have served Edo State in different categories politically.
As a former local government caretaker committee boss, I did a lot of projects in my areas of jurisdiction. If there is anybody in doubt, he or she should go to Igueben to ask questions.
What gives you the assurance and confidence that you will win if given the ticket to go to the field?
Well if you don’t know, let me tell you, whenever my name Comrade Sylvanus Igbogbo, is mentioned in Edo State, all especially the youth want to align with me.
Comrade Sylvanus Igbogbo has distinguished himself in so many ways; he is an outstanding Esan man that has served the good people of Edo and Igueben Federal Constituency.
When you talk about grassroots politics I’m not left out. I, Hon. Sylvanus Igbogbo, is good, credible, erudite and experienced enough to represent my people at the lower house in Abuja. (Federal House of Representatives).
Especially at this particular time, when the members representing the state at the various chambers are seen not to be doing very well. The state needs vibrant people like myself to be the eyes of our people and bring federal presence and the needed dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Now considering the way election is done in Nigeria, do you have a Godfather or Godmother that can help you bankroll the election?
As a leader that has been in the forefront of the struggle for the emancipation and liberation of his people from political and economic servitude, I know the pains, plight and sufferings of my people.
A vocal voice is needed in Igueben Federal Constituency. I’m so happy that Nigerians are becoming very conscious of their political environment.
The time of inducing people with money during elections otherwise known as vote buying is gone. Our electorate now vote personalities not parties My constituents know me, I’m accessable to them any day any time. They believe in me, they trust me, and they are confident that I have all it takes to represent them in Abuja.
Igueben Federal Constituency is not interested in candidates who will come here and feed our ears with big big grammar, they need someone with action and also with the knowledge of the economy. So, a vote for Hon. Sylvanus Igbogbo will not be a waste. I’m a messenger, I will do what they send me to do.
You contested for the Senate position before, it didn’t go well. Money bags hijacked it. So, what makes you think it won’t happen again?
Nobody is not a money bag. I can finance my election by myself. I don’t believe in Godfather or Godmother. His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo is governor of Edo State, nobody believed he will win election.
The people saw his track record even before joining politics, and Edo electorate came out and gave him their mandate. Again, as far as this coming election is concerned, there is nothing like anointed candidates.
I know that APC will conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Now let me give you another example, you saw the way the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, wanted to frustrate Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the 2023 elections, but he still won. So, when God and your people are by your side, you will always scale through. For me, I see myself being in Abuja come 2027.
