APC Unveils Consensus Candidates for Edo Senatorial and Reps By-elections

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted Joe Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion as its consensus candidates for the upcoming National Assembly by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Joe Ikpea will fly the party’s flag in the Edo Central senatorial by-election, while Hon. Omosede Igbinedion will contest for the House of Representatives seat in Ovia Federal Constituency.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa confirmed Igbinedion’s candidacy during a meeting with party leaders and supporters in Benin City. He noted that her emergence followed extensive consultation across the constituency and with state party leadership, emphasizing that her candidacy represents a commitment to providing quality and responsive representation to the people of Ovia.

“This is not just about filling a vacant seat,” Idahosa said. “It is about giving the good people of Ovia quality, experience, and people-oriented representation. After wide consultations, we have agreed to present Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as our consensus candidate.”

In her remarks, Igbinedion expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stakeholders for the trust placed in her. She pledged to serve diligently, stating, “This is a call to service, and I assure you all that I will not take this trust for granted. Ovia deserves strong, responsive, and effective representation.”

For the Edo Central senatorial contest, the Vice Chairman of the district, Patrick Esangbedo, officially notified the APC State Working Committee of Ikpea’s endorsement, stating that the senatorial caucus had unanimously adopted him as the sole candidate.

The senatorial by-election became necessary following the election of former Senator Monday Okpebholo as Edo State governor in the September 2024 governorship poll. Similarly, the Ovia Federal Constituency seat was declared vacant after Dennis Idahosa assumed office as deputy governor.

The APC’s swift move to settle on consensus candidates reflects a strategy of unity and consolidation ahead of the critical by-elections, which will further test the party’s grip on the political landscape in Edo State.