The political race to fill the legislative seats vacated by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa has officially begun, with major parties, All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP), revving up their machinery ahead of the anticipated bye-elections.
Okpebholo and Idahosa vacated their positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, following their emergence as Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State after the 2024 governorship election.
In a major political development, the APC has adopted Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of billionaire Esama of Benin, as its consensus candidate for Ovia Federal Constituency.
The decision was reached at a meeting presided over by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who stressed that Omosede’s emergence followed “extensive consultations and unity of purpose among party leaders.”
“This is not just about filling a vacant seat,” Idahosa stated.
“It is about giving the good people of Ovia quality, experienced, and people-oriented representation. After wide consultations with stakeholders, we have agreed to present Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as our consensus candidate.”
Omosede, who represented Ovia Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019, defected to the APC in 2023 after previously serving under the PDP.
In a similar move, the APC’s State Working Committee (SWC) has ratified the adoption of Hon. Joseph Ikpea as its consensus candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election.
According to a statement by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the party’s extraordinary meeting confirmed Ikpea’s endorsement through a voice vote after the Vice Chairman of Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Sylvester Esangbedo, formally presented him as the caucus’s choice.
“The SWC reaffirmed its recognition and respect for the leadership structures at both the Federal Constituency and Senatorial District levels,” Uwadiae-Igbinigie noted, adding that the decisions were aimed at strengthening party unity and political outreach across the state.
PDP Heads To Primary
Meanwhile, the PDP is preparing for primaries in both legislative districts. Top contenders in the party’s senatorial race include Hon. John Yakubu, Prince Joe Okojie, and Hon. Friday Itulah.
However, the party is yet to adopt a consensus approach, with insiders revealing that zoning considerations and political loyalty will play key roles in determining eventual candidates.
On the other hand, the ADC is gradually reactivating its political base, led by Hon. Sergius Ogun, a former federal lawmaker and a former gubernatorial aspirant under the Labour Party (LP).
Ogun is reportedly restructuring the ADC to position it as a viable contender in the polls.
The Labour Party, too, is not left behind, with Paul Okojie, a journalist, emerging as a frontline hopeful.
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