Edo by-elections: Ikpea replaces Okpebholo in Senate as Igbinedion returns to Reps

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

INEC Returning Officer Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze announced the results on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Iwoze said Ikpea garnered 105,129 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Joe Okojie, who polled 15,146 votes.

Addressing newsmen shortly after being declared the winner, the senator-elect, Ikpea thanked God for his victory and the people of Edo Central.

Ikpea expressed appreciation to the electorate for their support, noting that their votes were not just for him, but an expression of trust in Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC’s developmental agenda for the state.

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The seat became vacant after Okpebholo was elected governor of Edo State in September 2024.

Meanwhile, INEC has declared Omosede Igbinedion of the APC winner of Ovia Federal Constituency by-election in Edo State.

She polled 77,053 votes to defeat her closest rival from the PDP, who had 3,838 votes, while the ADC candidate came third with 925 votes.

The seat was declared vacant after Dennis Idahosa was elected as the deputy governor in the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State.

Omosede is the daughter of Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

Omosede was a member of the House of Representatives under the PDP until 2019 when she was defeated by Idahosa. She defected to the APC in 2024.

The Star