By joshua 
2027 Election : Former NAWOJ Chairperson Joins House Of Assembly Race
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
A former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, Adesuwa Ehimuan has formally declared her candidacy for the Oredo East Constituency seat in the Edo State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration, made before a gathering of APC leaders, ward stakeholders, women groups, and community members drawn from across the constituency, marks a decisive step in Hon. Ehimuan’s transition from journalism, civic advocacy to legislative representation — a journey shaped by years of frontline engagement with the people of Oredo East.
“This is not about a title. It is about the mothers who wake up early to sell in the market, the young people who cannot find work, the girls who deserve a future. I am here for them,” Hon. Ehimuan said in her declaration address. “I have spent years fighting for their voices outside the chamber. Now I am going inside to fight for them where decisions are made.”
Her entry into the 2027 race has been widely anticipated. Recognised across Edo State for her consistent advocacy in youth empowerment, women’s political inclusion, and community development, Hon. Ehimuan brings to the race a tested record of grassroots mobilisation and institutional leadership.
As NAWOJ Edo State Chairperson, she championed gender-sensitive journalism, spearheaded campaigns against violence targeting women in politics, led leadership development programmes for young people, and positioned the association as a credible force in civic discourse across the state. Her tenure at NAWOJ also saw her engage directly with state and national institutions on issues ranging from electoral integrity to the eradication of gender-based violence and Female Genital Mutilation.
She says her legislative agenda for Oredo East rests on four foundational pillars: access to quality education, economic empowerment at the grassroots, strengthened social welfare for the most vulnerable, and expanded opportunities for women and youth across the constituency.
“Oredo East deserves representation that is accountable, visible, and deeply connected to the community,” she said. “Every ward, every market, every school in this constituency will hear from me — not during campaigns alone, but every day I serve.”
Hon. Ehimuan called on APC leaders, party delegates, and the broader constituency to rally behind a candidacy rooted in service, unity, and the collective aspiration of the people of Oredo East. She urged women in particular to recognise this moment as a call to action — not only to vote, but to lead.
Her campaign, anchored on the principles of transparency, grassroots accountability, and inclusive representation, reflects the broader democratic spirit of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which continues to inspire a new standard of governance and citizen engagement across Edo State.