INEC Declares APC’s Ikpea, Igbinedion Winners Of Edo By-elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dr. Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s by-election for Edo Central Senatorial District.

INEC Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, at the wee hours on Sunday morning declared Dr. Ikpea the winner of the polls with 105,129 votes in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East local government area.

Ikpea defeated his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 15, 146 votes.

Speaking shortly after his declaration, the Senator-elect dedicated his victory to God, and the people of the district who he said have chosen vision over sentiment, progress over ‘politics-as-usual.’

“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,” he said.

He promised to prioritise legislation and interventions in the areas of infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and the strengthening of traditional

INEC had declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the election of the former occupier, Senator Monday Okpehbolo as the Governor of Edo State.

Similarly, INEC Retuning Officer for Ovia Federal Constituency, Clement Ighodaro, declared APC’s Barrister Omosede Igbinedion winner after scoring 77,053 votes to beat the PDP’s candidate, Johnny Aikpitanyi who got 3,838 votes.

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Sandra Asemota scored 925 votes.

Barr. Igbinedion was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011.