Tension In Edo As Political Heavyweights Jostle For Okpebholo, Idahosa’s Vacant Seats

The political contest to fill the vacant seats left by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa is now in full swing, as Nigeria’s major parties—APC, PDP, ADC, and the Labour Party—gear up for what promises to be hotly contested bye-elections in Edo State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Okpebholo and Idahosa vacated their positions in the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, after winning the 2024 Edo State governorship election as Governor and Deputy Governor.

In a strategic move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of the Esama of Benin, as its consensus candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat. The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Idahosa, who emphasized that her selection came after “broad consultations and a unified agreement among party leaders.”

“This isn’t just about filling a vacancy,” Idahosa said. “It’s about ensuring the people of Ovia get effective and experienced representation. That’s why we’re backing Hon. Omosede Igbinedion.”

Omosede, who previously served as Ovia’s federal representative between 2015 and 2019, joined the APC in 2023 after a stint with the PDP.

Meanwhile, the APC’s State Working Committee (SWC) has also ratified Hon. Joseph Ikpea as the party’s consensus choice for the Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election. According to APC State Publicity Secretary Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, Ikpea’s candidacy was unanimously approved through a voice vote during an extraordinary meeting, after being formally nominated by the district’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Esangbedo.

The SWC reaffirmed its respect for the grassroots leadership across the senatorial and constituency levels, framing these consensus moves as efforts to foster unity and boost the APC’s electoral strength across Edo State.

PDP Gears Up for Primaries

On the other hand, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading into primary elections to pick its candidates for both legislative seats. Notable aspirants in the senatorial race include Hon. John Yakubu, Prince Joe Okojie, and Hon. Friday Itulah.
The party has yet to decide on a consensus strategy, with sources suggesting that zoning and party loyalty will weigh heavily in the final choices.

ADC and Labour Party Mobilize

Elsewhere, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gradually reactivating its political base under the leadership of Hon. Sergius Ogun, a former House of Reps member and one-time Labour Party governorship aspirant. Ogun is reportedly reorganizing the party to mount a strong challenge at the polls.

The Labour Party is also gaining momentum, with Paul Okojie, a journalist, emerging as a prominent contender ahead of the bye-election.