By Israel Adebiyi 

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 in Edo.

The Umpire also declared Hon Omosede Igbinedion winner of Ovia Federal Constituency.

Professor Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, the INEC Returning Officer for the Edo Central Senatorial election at the early hours on Sunday morning in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East LGA declared Dr. Ikpea, the winner of the polls with 105,129 votes.

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

“This is the declaration. I, Professor Omo-Iwoze, hereby certified 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” Prof. Omo-Iwoze said.

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.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo is a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people. His support has been a stabilizing force throughout this journey.

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

Similarly, Ms Omosede Igbinedion of the APC has been declared the winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in Saturday’s by-election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Clement Ighodaro, said Barrister Igbinedion scored a total of 77,053 votes, while the PDP candidate, Johnny Aikpitanyi, polled 3,838 votes.

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