Kingsley (Abavo Managing Editor), Benin
As replacement for Governor Monday Okpebholo in the vacant Edo Central Senatorial seat, the zone’s Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously adopted Hon. Joe Ikpea as its candidate for the forthcoming bye – election.
This was made known on Monday in a statement signed by Hon. Sylvester Aigboboh, State Deputy Chairman of the Party and availed the media in Benin City, the State Capital.
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“The decisive resolution was passed during a well-attended caucus meeting held in Benin City on Sunday, June 29, 2025,” it said.
Further, the statement said; Hon. Ikpea, a respected figure with an impressive record have served as Edo State Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas and former Executive Chairman for Esan – South – East Local Government Council, amongst other roles.
As it disclosed that the caucus emphasized its unity and shared vision to support Hon. Ikpea throughout the campaign, urging all members, supporters, and stakeholders of the APC in Edo Central to fully back his candidacy to ensure victory.
Meanwhile, Saturday, August 16, 2025, has been fixed by the election umpire; ‘Independent Electoral Commission’ (INEC) for the conduct of bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 States of the federation, including Edo State.
Listed for the bye-elections in Edo State are; Edo Central Senatorial District and the Ovia South West/Ovia South East Federal Constituency.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announcing the date during a meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja, said the vacancies were declared following the resignation, death, or nullification of elections of previous occupants of the affected seats.
“These elections are expected to restore full legislative representation in those areas.”
The elections would cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies and nine State assembly seats across the country, the Chairman said.
Further, he informed that the bye-elections will involve 3,553,659 registered voters spread across 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Registration Areas or Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units nationwide.
A total of 30,451 officials will be deployed by the Commission to conduct the elections, with adequate preparations for logistics and security to
ensure credible polls.
Timeline
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between Wednesday, July 17 and Sunday, July 21, 2025.
While the submission of nomination forms by candidates will be done electronically via the INEC portal between July 22 and 26.
As campaigns are expected to begin on August 2 and will end at midnight on August 14; 48 hours before the election.
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