Our reporter
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cemented its dominance in Edo Central Senatorial District with a landslide victory at Saturday’s by-election, leaving the once-dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailing far behind in what analysts describe as one of the most decisive defeats in recent years.
At the official collation centre in Ubiaja, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, declared Dr Joseph Ikpea of the APC winner after he secured 105,129 votes against his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the PDP, who managed just 15,146 votes.
The breakdown of results across the five local government areas shows a consistent pattern of APC dominance. In Esan West alone, Ikpea recorded 39,490 votes to PDP’s 2,270, while in Esan Central, APC scored 20,781 against PDP’s 2,065. Even in Igueben, considered a PDP stronghold, the APC garnered 9,619 votes, more than four times PDP’s 2,209.
Political observers say the outcome reflects both the dwindling influence of the PDP in Edo Central and the growing confidence in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, which many believe helped galvanise grassroots support for the APC.
Speaking after his victory, Senator-elect Ikpea described the result as a triumph for the people. “This victory belongs first and foremost to the Almighty who has shown us mercy, and to the resilient people of Edo Central who have chosen vision over sentiment, and progress over politics-as-usual,” he said.
He praised Governor Okpebholo’s “exceptional leadership” and the APC’s campaign machinery for delivering what he called one of the most organised election efforts the district had ever witnessed.
Analysts note that the scale of the victory has not only strengthened APC’s grip on Edo Central but also raises questions about the PDP’s electoral viability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Ikpea pledged to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and the strengthening of traditional institutions, assuring constituents that the overwhelming mandate would be matched with “visionary and transparent representation.”
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