2027: Rev. Olu Martins, John Yakubu, Natasha Osawaru, Prince Aghedo, Iyobosa Agho Secure NDC Tickets
By Arit Mbeh
Foremost civil rights advocate and church administrator, Rev. Olu Martins, has emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Esan West Constituency seat in the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election.
According to the official results released by the party, Rev. Martins secured a commanding victory at the NDC primary election, polling 429 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.
A former student leader, Rev. Martins is widely recognized as a compelling public speaker, social critic, and grassroots mobilizer.
He has remained a vocal and unwavering supporter of the Obedient Movement and has consistently advocated for good governance, accountability, and social justice.
Rev. Martins also served as Deputy Director-General (Media) of the Asue Ighodalo/Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Organization, where he played a prominent role in shaping the campaign’s media and public engagement strategy.
John Yakubu is a former chairman of Esan North-East local government area and was the running mate of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the People’s Democratic Party nominee in the 2016 Edo State gubernatorial election.
He is a Catholic Christian with an educational background in accountancy and business administration.
Yakubu’s community involvement includes leading the Uromi Youth Movement and Esan League of Youths, where he promoted education through scholarships, and sponsorship of indigent students—including those with disabilities. He was a PDP aspirant for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial nomination but later stepped down in January 2024 to support Asue Ighodalo.
Several other notable political figures also secured NDC tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among them are Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, who will fly the party’s flag in the Egor Constituency race, and John Yakubu, who emerged as the party’s candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District election.
Also on the list are Iyobosa Agho, who will contest the Ovia North East Constituency II seat, and Prince Aghedo, who will represent the NDC in the battle for the Ovia North East Constituency I seat.
The successful candidates are expected to lead the NDC’s charge across Edo State as the party positions itself to make significant gains in the 2027 elections.
Below is the full list of candidates released by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC):
