Gladness Gideon
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has formally endorsed Joe Ikpea and Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as sole candidates for the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.
Ikpea will contest for the Edo Central Senatorial seat, while Igbinedion has been selected to vie for the House of Representatives seat for the Ovia Federal Constituency.
The by-elections follow the exit of Senator Monday Okpebholo, who vacated his Senate seat after winning the September 21, 2024 governorship election, and the resignation of Hon. Dennis Idahosa from the House of Representatives to assume office as deputy governor.
At a gathering of APC leaders and supporters in Benin City on Monday, Idahosa announced Igbinedion’s endorsement, describing her emergence as the result of extensive consultations and unity within the party.
“This is not just about filling a vacant seat,” Idahosa stated. “It is about giving the good people of Ovia quality, experience, 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 by-election.”
He emphasized Igbinedion’s previous legislative experience (2015–2019), her strong grassroots connections, and her service record as key reasons for her selection.
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In her response, Igbinedion expressed appreciation to party stakeholders and pledged effective representation.
“This is a call to service, and I assure you all that I will not take this trust for granted,” she said. “Ovia deserves strong, responsive, and effective representation, and I am fully committed to building on the gains of my predecessors, especially my brother and friend, the deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.”
In Edo Central, Joe Ikpea’s candidacy was confirmed on Saturday by the APC caucus in the senatorial district. Vice Chairman of the zone, Patrick Esangbedo, informed the State Working Committee (SWC) of the unanimous decision during a meeting, which culminated in a voice vote ratifying Ikpea’s endorsement.
Ikpea, when contacted, confirmed he was attending a strategic meeting for the senatorial zone.
The APC’s move to present consensus candidates is seen as a strategic effort to maintain political cohesion and strengthen its hold on the constituencies ahead of the by-elections.