The political atmosphere in Edo State is becoming increasingly charged as preparations intensify to fill the vacant legislative seats left by Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who have both assumed new roles in the state’s executive arm.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two dominant parties in the state, have begun strategic processes to select their candidates for the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP) are not sitting idle. Hon. Sergius Ogun, a former House of Representatives member and recent governorship aspirant under the LP in the 2024 elections, is reportedly working to restructure the ADC in Edo State to ensure its active participation in the upcoming contests. In the Labour Party, renowned journalist Paul Okojie is emerging as a prominent contender.
Within the PDP, preparations are underway for a primary election to determine its flagbearers for the senatorial and federal constituency positions. Notable aspirants for the party’s tickets include Hon. John Yakubu, Prince Joe Okojie, and Hon. Friday Itulah, all of whom are seen as strong contenders in the race.
On the other hand, the APC has opted for a consensus approach. Last week, the party announced Hon. Joseph Ikpea as its consensus candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election. Meanwhile, for the Ovia Federal Constituency, the APC has adopted Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of the billionaire Esama of Benin, as its candidate.
Omosede’s selection was reached during a strategic meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who emphasized that her candidacy was the result of extensive consultations and a shared sense of purpose among APC stakeholders in the constituency.
“This is not just about filling a vacant seat,” Idahosa stated. “It is about ensuring that the people of Ovia receive quality, experienced, and people-oriented representation. After wide consultations with stakeholders across the constituency and the state leadership of our great party, we have agreed to present Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as our consensus candidate for the bye-election.”
Omosede Igbinedion previously represented Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019 and officially joined the APC in 2023. Her legislative experience and grassroots appeal were key factors in her selection, according to party leaders.
The APC further solidified its senatorial choice during its recent State Working Committee (SWC) meeting, where it ratified the unanimous adoption of Hon. Joe Ikpea for the Edo Central Senatorial bye-election.
The party’s Vice Chairman for Edo Central, Hon. Sylvester Esangbedo, informed the SWC that the APC caucus in the senatorial district had reached a consensus on Ikpea’s candidacy. His presentation was met with broad support, and the SWC subsequently ratified the decision through a voice vote.
With both major parties and other players now actively positioning themselves for the crucial bye-elections, the political scene in Edo State is set for a fiercely contested race that could reshape the state’s representation at the federal level.
