By Felix Ifijeh
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Joseph Ikpea, has emerged winner of the Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday.
The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, declared Ikpea as winner on Sunday in Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Ikpea polled 105,129 votes to defeat his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 15,146 votes.
“This is the declaration. I, Prof. Omo-Iwoze, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the 2025 Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election, held on the 16th day of August, 2024.
“That Ikpea Joseph of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner of the election,” Omo-Iwoze said.
Speaking shortly after his declaration, Ikpea dedicated his victory to God and the people of the district.
“This victory reaffirms the people’s faith in our capacity to deliver. I will not disappoint them. 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.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo is a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people. His support has been a stabilising force throughout this journey,” he said.
Meanwhile, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mimi Azikiwe, won the Onitsha North Constituency 1 bye-election.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Ebien, declared Azikiwe winner to replace the late Justice Azuka, who was abducted and killed by armed men in 2024.
Azikiwe recorded 7,774 votes to defeat Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress, who scored 1,909 votes. The APC came third with 1,371 votes, followed by the Young Progressives Party with 655 votes. The PDP recorded 17 votes, while the Labour Party polled 14 votes.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
