By Muhammad Mamman
Edo State is bracing for high-stakes by-elections on Saturday, as voters in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency head to the polls to elect new representatives following the elevation of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
The contests have shaped up to be a three-way race between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a revitalized African Democratic Congress (ADC). Though nine political parties will be on the ballot, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled out the Labour Party (LP) due to its failure to conduct a valid primary.
Edo Central: Governor’s First Electoral Test
In Edo Central, where five local government areas make up the senatorial district, APC is fielding Hon. Joseph Ikpea. Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose election triggered the vacancy, has been front and center in the campaign—making this his first electoral test since assuming office.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Director-General of the APC’s 2024 governorship campaign, cited the governor’s performance and Ikpea’s experience as key advantages.
The PDP, not to be outdone, has rallied behind Prince Joe Okojie. At a campaign flag-off in Uromi, party leaders projected confidence, claiming strong grassroots support across all LGAs. Okojie has pledged to prioritize federal road infrastructure and youth empowerment programs if elected.
Meanwhile, the ADC is looking to shake up the two-party dominance with Hon. Sergius Ogun, a former two-term federal lawmaker. Ogun, who recently left the Labour Party after contesting its 2024 governorship primary, is now leading ADC’s first major electoral push since its relaunch in Benin City.
Ovia Federal Constituency: APC Eyes Clean Sweep
In the Ovia Federal Constituency—which covers Ovia South West and Ovia North East—the APC is banking on Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, a political heavyweight with deep roots in Edo South. The party has mobilized key figures to rally support in what appears to be a more comfortable race for the ruling party.
While the PDP and other parties are also fielding candidates in Ovia, analysts believe the APC holds the advantage, thanks to its strong local presence and political momentum.
INEC: Nine Parties, High Stakes
According to Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, nine parties are cleared for the by-elections: Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
