Abuja, FCT — Leading aspirant for the Etsako Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, Chief Richard Oshiokhai Lamai, popularly known as Gbukpegbu Onalo, has submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lamai completed the submission on May 5, 2026, in line with the APC deadline for aspirants, describing the move as a key step toward his ambition of driving employment-focused representation for the constituency.

Speaking shortly after submitting his forms in Abuja, Lamai said his legislative priority would centre on job creation and youth empowerment across Etsako.

“Representation is not just about occupying a seat; it is about delivering impact,” he said. “My focus is to ensure that Etsako benefits meaningfully from federal opportunities through strategic engagement and effective representation.”

He outlined a three-point agenda focused on employment generation, skills development, and agricultural expansion.

Under the proposed framework, Lamai said he would work to facilitate increased access for qualified youths from Etsako to federal recruitment opportunities across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He also proposed the establishment of ward-based skills acquisition centres aimed at supporting small businesses, artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs, while strengthening local enterprise development.

On agriculture, he said he would seek federal support for mechanised farming inputs, grants, and capacity-building programmes to boost food production and rural employment in the constituency.

Lamai further highlighted his philanthropic activities through the Emike Richard Lamai Foundation, noting interventions in borehole provision, educational support, and healthcare outreach programmes for women and children across Etsako.

He called on party stakeholders, youth groups, women associations, professionals, and traditional leaders to support his aspiration, describing it as a drive for more responsive and development-focused representation.

Political observers note that Lamai, who previously contested in the party primaries, remains among the notable aspirants seeking the APC ticket for the Etsako Federal Constituency, which comprises Etsako East, Etsako West, and Etsako Central Local Government Areas.