𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗦: 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗶 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝗲-𝗢𝗱𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼? 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀?

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.

There is a renewed wave of political excitement sweeping through Arogbo Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the official entry of a prominent legal practitioner, Barr. Ebidaubra Ebigha Iwabi, popularly known as Toyi, into the race for the State House of Assembly.

NigerDelta Voice had gathered that Barr. Iwabi has picked the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally declaring his intention to contest for the Ese-Odo State Constituency seat.

His move is already reshaping the political landscape ahead of the APC primaries, reigniting conversations around zoning, power rotation, and the long-standing understanding between the Arogbo and Apoi blocs within the constituency.

Eyewitnesses at the APC Secretariat described his arrival as calm but commanding, drawing attention from party faithful and observers alike. Many see his candidacy as a strong statement, given his background in legal practice and grassroots engagement.

Speaking shortly after picking the forms, Iwabi stressed the need to uphold political agreements and preserve unity among the Ijaw people.

“This is clearly the turn of Arogbo to produce the next House of Assembly member, not Apoi. The existing understanding must be respected to avoid unnecessary tension. We are one people, and unity remains paramount,” he said.

He also extended an appeal to traditional rulers, political stakeholders, youths, women, and APC members across the constituency, assuring them of credible and impactful representation.

“I am fully prepared for this responsibility. I have the experience, and by God’s grace, I will not fail our people. I will represent with integrity and make Ese-Odo proud,” he added.

A Comeback for Arogbo?

It will be recalled that in recent months, several aspirants from the Arogbo axis had dominated online political discourse, flooding social media and WhatsApp platforms with declarations and consultations coordinated by their various media team. However, their sudden silence had fueled speculations that the seat may have been informally conceded to the Apoi axis. This is corroborated by their refusal to pick the Expression of interest and APC nomination form for the Ese-Odo Assembly seat, even as at the time of filling this report.

Iwabi’s declaration, however, appears to have altered that narrative, reviving hope among Arogbo supporters who now see a realistic pathway back into contention.

Mixed Reactions Trail Iwabis's Declaration

Despite the growing optimism, political observers remain cautiously analytical. Some have questioned whether Iwabi will maintain his stance through the often unpredictable terrain of party politics, where negotiations, alliances, and inducements frequently shape outcomes.

Concerns have been raised in certain quarters about whether he might eventually step down if presented with “juicy offers,” a trend not uncommon in local political contests.

Nevertheless, his supporters insist that his pedigree and community ties set him apart as a candidate capable of staying the course.

As the APC primary elections draw closer, all eyes are now on Ese-Odo Constituency, where what once appeared settled is quickly evolving into a potentially fierce political contest.

NigerDelta Voice will continue to monitor developments as they unfold.