The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a decisive victory in Edo State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared its candidates winners of the two by-elections held on Saturday.
The elections, conducted peacefully across Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, were to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly after their former occupants assumed new political offices.
In the Edo Central Senatorial District race, Dr. Joseph Ikpea, candidate of the APC, emerged triumphant with an overwhelming 105,129 votes.
His closest challenger, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could only manage 15,146 votes, leaving a wide margin of defeat.
Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Prof. Kingsley Ubaorji, described the election as transparent and added that the outcome reflected the will of the people of the district.
The Ovia Federal Constituency contest also ended in favour of the APC as Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of business mogul Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, secured 77,053 votes.
She defeated Johnny Aikpitanyi of the PDP, who garnered 3,838 votes, while Dr. Sandra Asemota of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 925 votes, finishing third.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Clement Ighodalo, declared her the duly elected representative for the constituency.
The by-elections became necessary following the elevation of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, both former lawmakers representing Edo Central and Ovia, respectively, who were elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State in September 2024.
Their assumption of new executive roles created vacancies in the National Assembly, prompting INEC to conduct fresh elections to fill the seats.
For Omosede Igbinedion, this victory represents a significant turnaround in her political career.
She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 under the PDP platform but lost her return bid to Dennis Idahosa.
In the 2023 general elections, she again contested for the same seat but was defeated by Idahosa, who had switched to the APC.
Her defection to the ruling party in 2024, following Idahosa’s emergence as Deputy Governor, realigned her political fortunes and has now paved the way for her return to the Green Chamber.
With Saturday’s results, the APC has further strengthened its hold in Edo State, particularly in previously considered PDP strongholds.
Political observers note that the victories could boost the ruling party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as the PDP grapples with internal divisions and key figure defections.
INEC officials commended the peaceful conduct of the elections, while urging political parties to sustain a culture of maturity and sportsmanship.
Stakeholders also lauded the high voter turnout, particularly in Ovia Federal Constituency, describing it as reflecting renewed confidence in the electoral process.