The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Tuesday conducted a screening exercise for aspirants contesting in the upcoming National Assembly by-elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
The by-elections, scheduled for August 16, 2025, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are aimed at filling legislative vacancies created by recent political transitions.
The Edo Central senatorial seat became vacant following Monday Okpebholo’s emergence as Edo State governor in the September 2024 election, while the Ovia Federal Constituency seat was vacated by Dennis Idahosa after his swearing-in as deputy governor.
A five-member screening committee, appointed by the PDP National Working Committee, arrived in Benin City to oversee the process. Led by Professor Okumoko Tubo Pearce, the panel also includes Arc. Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary, alongside Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
At the PDP state secretariat in Benin City, Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony Aziegbemi welcomed the committee and aspirants, affirming the legitimacy of the screening process and reinforcing the authority of the national leadership in overseeing party primaries.
He also reiterated that the official party secretariat remains at No. 20 Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, urging members to ignore any factional claims.
Aspirants vying for the Edo Central ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, Joseph Okojie, and Festus Edogun. For Ovia Federal Constituency, Johnny Aikpitanyi was the only aspirant screened.
The exercise drew commendations from several aspirants who described it as transparent and professionally handled. Edogun expressed confidence in his prospects, citing grassroots support, while Yakubu emphasized the PDP’s dominance in Edo Central.
Okojie echoed similar sentiments about the party’s strength heading into the polls. Aikpitanyi, unopposed in his bid, described the process as smooth and pledged to deliver victory for the PDP.
With the by-elections drawing closer, the party appears poised for a competitive race as it seeks to retain its stronghold in the state’s political landscape.
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