Kingsley Abavo, Managing Editor, Benin
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State Chapter, on Sunday, 17 May, 2026 announced the results of the House of Representatives primary held across the nine Federal Constituencies in the State on Saturday, 16 May, 2026.
Below is the list of the elected candidates
1. Ovia-North-East/Ovia-South-West Federal constituency – Hon. Omosede Igbinedion scored 11,568 votes
to beat her only co-contestant, Osazemwimde Sunday who scored 3,099 votes.
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2. Uhunwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency – Hon. Billy Osawaru, scored 5,999 votes to beat his closest rival; Washington Osifo who scored 3,071 votes
3. Oredo Federal Constituency – Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu scored 4,088 votes to defeat his closest rival; Osaro Obaze who scored 2,455 votes
4. Owan-East/Owan-West Federal Constituency – Igiegbai Andrew scored 3,695 votes to beat Oroh Abdul who scored 1,740 votes
5. Etsako-Central, Etsako-East/Etsako-West Federal Constituency – Anamero Sunday Denkeri scored 8,901 votes to defeat Ibrahim Imahawu who scored 4,402 votes
6. Esan-West, Esan-Central/Igueben Federal Constituency- Lucky Eseigbe scored 6,897 votes to defeat Paul Ogedegbe who scored 3,738 votes, his closest rival, while Marcus Onobun the incumbent rep member, scored 1,071 votes.
7. Esan-North-East, Esan-South-East – Okojie Henry Odianosen scored 6,820 votes via consensus.
8. Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency- Sazzy Igbinovia scored 9,200 votes to beat his closest rival Eribo Crosby who scored 5,286 votes
9. Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency- Oladele Bankole Balogun scored 3,868 votes to defeat Tom Johnson Akpatason who scored 1,603 votes.
Speaking while announcing the results, Chairman, the APC National Committee of the primary election, Hon. Mohammed Kabiru Ajana asserts that the exercise was the freest and fairest ever, devoid of acrimony and rancour.
“We have seen Edo as a pacesetter for subsequent elections. The election that was held yesterday (16 May, 1026) was more or less like a carnival.
“In Edo it was not a stage where people sit behind the corridors of power to write names; but this election was taken to the grassroots and the grassroots have elected their leaders to represent them in the various Federal Constituencies that make up Edo State.”
Saying the primary of the APC has deepened democracy in Edo State, Kabiru disclosed it was only in Esan-North-East, Esan-South-East Federal Constituency, consensus was adopted, while in the other eight Federal Constituencies, direct primary was applied in electing the candidates.
“Our constitution was followed to the letter and that is how our candidates have emerged.”
Kabiru stated; that due to the imperfections of man, the Party has set up an appeal committee that has up to 12 midnight of Sunday, to address petition of aggrieved aspirants.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Edo, Emperor Jarret Tenebe termed the exercise as the “most peaceful that has ever been held in Nigeria and even beyond.”
Congratulating the candidates, Tenebe asserted that the exercise outcome shows that “Edo State is working, that Edo State is serious when they say they want to give Mr. President 2.5m votes.
“That is to show also that I, the Chairman leading the Party in the State; is the most gentle human being on earth, the most organised and also one of the Chairmen in Nigeria that has the knowledge of the law; no wonder I am coming out with first class in law.”
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Tenebe reminding that Monday, 18 May, is the party primary for senatorial aspirants, he advised:
“All Party faithful should conduct themselves, all card carrying members who are eligible to vote should go to their various wards to cast their votes.
“It is a direct primary, they should try as much as possible to be peaceful, conduct yourselves very well.”
He assured, that like the just past House of Representatives primary, the Senatorial exercise would be the fairest, best that has ever been done in Edo and Nigeria in general.
Tenebe further urged; that voters should cast their ballot for a candidate that could win the election proper for the party, and not the one who would lose. “So you should be guided very well.”
Fielding questions from journalists, Hon. Billy Osawaru said the situation in the APC, Edo has not changed after the primary.
“No winner, no vanquished, the co aspirants are equally qualified and their contributions helps the party thick. The reconciliation process has started, to work together to ensure the 2.5 m votes promised the President, by the Governor is achieved.”
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