The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured decisive victories in the recently concluded bye-elections in Edo State, with candidates Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion winning the Edo Central Senatorial district and Ovia Federal Constituency seats respectively.
According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ikpea dominated the Edo Central senatorial district election with 105,129 votes, far outpacing his closest competitor, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 15,146 votes.
Professor Kingsley Ubaorji, the INEC Returning Officer for the senatorial bye-election, officially declared Ikpea the winner on Sunday in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area.
In the Ovia Federal Constituency race, Omosede Igbinedion secured a landslide victory with 77,053 votes. Her nearest challenger, Johnny Aikpitanyi of the PDP, managed only 3,838 votes, while Dr. Sandra Asemota of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered 925 votes. Professor Clement Ighodalo, the returning officer for the Federal constituency bye-election, announced Igbinedion's victory at the Ovia West Local Government Area council hall in Iguobazuwa.
In his acceptance speech, Senator-elect Joseph Ikpea dedicated his victory to God and the people of Edo Central, stating that they had "chosen vision over sentiment, progress over politics-as-usual." He expressed that the overwhelming support reaffirmed the people's confidence in both him and the party's ability to deliver meaningful representation.
"I will work hand in hand with our governor, our party, and community leaders to ensure that every part of Edo Central feels the impact of quality representation," Ikpea pledged.
The senator-elect also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing him as "a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people," acknowledging the governor's support throughout his campaign.
Ikpea outlined his legislative priorities, which include infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and strengthening traditional institutions in his constituency.
These victories add to a growing list of recent electoral successes for the APC in bye-elections across Nigeria, including wins in Ogun, Kogi, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Kano states.
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