...Says he feels fulfilled, hints at retirement from public life within five years
Former Edo South Senator, Aisagbonriodion Matthew Urhoghide, has called on Nigerian political leaders to embrace honesty and meritocracy, warning against the continued influence of tribalism and nepotism in governance.
Speaking in an interview on Monday ahead of his 70th birthday celebration, the two-term senator, who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023, reflected on his life and career, stating that he feels fulfilled by the contributions he made to public service.
“A lot of us have not been honest or faithful. Many are still bringing tribalism and nepotism into our political practice. But where excellence and competence should prevail, those values are being sacrificed,” he lamented.
The former lawmaker said his political journey began during his university days when he served as president of the Student Union Government (SUG), highlighting that his rise in politics was based on merit, not affiliations.
“When I stepped into wider society, people stigmatised and opposed me—even those I had helped politically. But I overcame all of that. I am proud of what I achieved in the Senate before exiting in 2023,” he said.
Urhoghide advised aspiring politicians to be knowledgeable about issues affecting their constituencies and the country at large before seeking elective office, adding that public service should be pursued with sincerity and genuine commitment.
Responding to concerns over the alleged marginalisation of Edo South in political appointments, he urged for patience, noting that the current administration is still in its early stages.
“Every day on social media, people are already shouting. They say Federal and State appointments are not coming to us. But I will not jump to conclusions. Let us wait and see how things unfold,” he said.
On criticism over his failed bid for a third term in the Senate, Urhoghide said his intention was rooted in love for service and the desire to put Edo South on the global map.
Regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election prospects, Urhoghide expressed confidence that the APC would win by a wide margin, noting that many former party stalwarts who had previously left have now returned to the fold.
“The president will see large figures supporting him in 2027. Now that we’ve shown former governor Obaseki and his political structure the way out and returned to the APC, things will improve for the party,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, Urhoghide said he plans to gradually step away from public life within the next four to five years to focus on his personal life, including faith, family, and agriculture.
“The years ahead should be devoted to my creator, my family and my farmland. I may not live another 70 years, so I want to use the time I have left to draw closer to God,” he stated.
Urhoghide’s foray into public service began in 2013 as Chairman of the Board of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. He later served as the Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before being elected into the Senate in 2015. During his tenure, he held various leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, and Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Tourism.
In 2019, he secured a second term, further solidifying his place as one of Edo’s most prominent voices in the National Assembly.
“I feel fulfilled. I have served humanity to the best of my capacity,” he concluded.
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