Ifaluyi-Isibor Warns Leaders: Careless Statements Risk Crisis and Governance Failure
Benin City/Lagos, Nigeria—October 9, 2026—The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, has urged political leaders to exercise greater caution in their public statements, cautioning that careless remarks can spark crisis and undermine effective governance.
Speaking on ARISE News Prime Time, the former Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science, and Technology said politics in a democracy must remain firmly centered on the people. “Power belongs to the people through their votes.
It is a contest of ideas, an appeal to voters, and an opportunity to gain power and deploy resources,” he stated.
Ifaluyi-Isibor expressed concern that when public office holders make statements that “do not sit well with the people,” the result can be crisis and an absence of governance.
His comments come amid the intensifying political contest for the 2027 general elections, particularly in Edo State, where he is the PDP’s consensus candidate for the federal constituency seat.
A Call for People-Centered Politics
The candidate, who previously served under the Godwin Obaseki administration, framed his remarks as a reminder that democratic leadership requires sensitivity to public sentiment.
In the interview focused on the race for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, he positioned responsible communication as essential to maintaining social cohesion and functional government.
Ifaluyi-Isibor has built a public profile as a vocal critic of the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Edo State led by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In the past, his social media commentary on governance issues prompted official threats of legal action for alleged defamation, which the state PDP strongly condemned as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
Broader Context Ahead of 2027
As the 2027 elections approach, candidates across parties are sharpening their messaging. Ifaluyi-Isibor has emphasized grassroots engagement, street credibility, and a commitment to remaining accessible to constituents rather than becoming an “Abuja representative.”
Party stakeholders in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha have described him as a consensus choice expected to strengthen the PDP’s chances in the constituency.
His latest intervention on ARISE News reinforces a recurring theme in Nigerian political discourse: the power of words spoken by those in or seeking public office.
Analysts note that inflammatory or tone-deaf statements have, in previous election cycles, contributed to tension and distracted from substantive policy debates.
Ifaluyi-Isibor’s call for mindfulness is likely to resonate with voters weary of political rhetoric that appears disconnected from daily realities.
Whether other candidates and office holders heed the advice remains to be seen as campaigning intensifies across Edo State and the wider federation.
The PDP hopeful continues to campaign on a platform of competence, service, and direct representation, urging constituents to focus on ideas and accountability rather than personality-driven politics.
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