Edo APC Unveils By-Election Candidates, Backs Governor Okpebholo’s Stance on Peter Obi ‎

 

‎Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion emerge as APC flagbearers; party vows aggressive campaign and supports governor’s warning against Peter Obi’s unsanctioned visits.
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‎BENIN CITY – The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced Hon. Joseph Ikpea and Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as its candidates for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, respectively, ahead of the forthcoming by-elections.

‎The announcement was made on Saturday during the party’s primary election exercise, where the APC leadership also strongly backed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent declaration that Labour Party’s Peter Obi should not enter the state without prior clearance from the government.

‎State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, affirmed the party's support for the governor’s position, citing security concerns linked to Obi’s previous visit. “The governor was right,” Tenebe stated. “The last time Obi visited Edo, it resulted in the unfortunate death of three persons. The government has the responsibility to protect the people, and clearance is necessary.”

‎Turning to electoral matters, Tenebe asserted that the APC would mount a vigorous campaign to demonstrate that the party genuinely won the 2024 governorship election. “Now that we have our candidates, we are hitting the ground running. We will campaign like never before to show the people that APC is the true choice of Edo,” he said.

‎Hon. Joseph Ikpea was affirmed as the senatorial candidate after winning the support of 255 delegates across the 51 wards in Edo Central, according to the Chairman and Chief Returning Officer of the APC Edo Central Primary Election Committee, Ugboaja Stanley Uzoamaka.

‎In Ovia Federal Constituency, Barr. Lucky Ajokperiniovo, who chaired the primary committee, revealed that Hon. Omosede Igbinedion emerged unopposed after other aspirants stepped down in her favor.

‎The party has expressed confidence in its candidates and strategy, signaling a robust return to grassroots mobilization as it prepares for the upcoming polls.