APC Clinches Victory in Edo Bye-Elections as Ikpea, Igbinedion Emerge Winners

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a decisive win in the Edo State bye-elections, with its candidates, Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion, declared winners of the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency polls respectively.

According to reports confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), both APC candidates secured landslide victories against their opponents.

In the Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea clinched the seat with 105,129 votes, defeating his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered only 15,146 votes.

The official declaration of results was made by Professor Kingsley Ubaorji, INEC Returning Officer for the senatorial bye-election. He announced the outcome on Sunday in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area.

At the Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion emerged victorious with 77,053 votes, outpacing Johnny Aikpitanyi of the PDP, who managed 3,838 votes. Meanwhile, Dr. Sandra Asemota, candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), secured 925 votes.

The final announcement was made by Professor Clement Ighodalo, the Returning Officer for the constituency, at the Ovia West Local Government Area Council Hall in Iguobazuwa.

Following his declaration, Senator-elect Joseph Ikpea expressed gratitude to God and the people of Edo Central, emphasizing that the victory symbolized their collective choice of vision over sentiment and progress over politics-as-usual.

Ikpea further assured constituents of his commitment to impactful representation:

“This victory reflects the trust and faith the people have placed in me and in the APC. I will not fail them. I intend to work closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo, our party, and community leaders to ensure Edo Central benefits from quality representation,” he stated.

He also highlighted Governor Monday Okpebholo as a leader of strategic vision, selflessness, and deep community connection, noting that the governor’s support was instrumental to his success.

Ikpea pledged to focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, healthcare, education, and strengthening traditional institutions, assuring his constituents that their voices will be represented effectively at the national level.