Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Senator elect, Joe Ikpea and House of Representatives member elect, Omosede Igbinedion, on their victories in yesterday’s by-elections.
The Governor has also declared that the results signal strong support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday, Governor Okpebholo praised voters in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency for turning out “in their thousands” to elect the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
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He described the wins as a “clear indication” of Edoโs readiness to back President Tinubu in the next presidential poll.
“This victory is a resounding statement that Edo is APC territory. The people have spoken, and their message is clearโthey trust Ikpea and Igbinedion to represent them effectively, and they are prepared to give President Tinubu a landslide in 2027”, the Governor stated.
Ikpea won the Edo Central Senatorial seat that was vacated by Okpebholo in November 2024, while Igbinedion secured the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in a contest marked by high voter turnout.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence that both lawmakers would be “strong voices” for the state at the national level, attracting development and ensuring their constituencies receive “the attention they deserve.”
The governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a “free, fair, and credible” election and lauded security agencies for maintaining order during the polls.
“The peaceful conduct of this election is a testament to the growing maturity of our democracy,” he said.
“With this momentum, President Tinubuโs re-election bid in Edo will be a walk-over,” the governor asserted. He called on all stakeholders, including opposition members, to support the newly elected officials in delivering good governance.
Ikpea and Igbinedion, both seasoned politicians, have pledged to prioritise infrastructure, education, and job creation in their constituencies during their campaigns. Their victories are seen as a boost for the APCโs grassroots appeal in the South-South region.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administrationโs commitment to collaboration across party lines for Edoโs development, adding: “The people have chosen progress, and we will work with all elected leaders to ensure their trust is rewarded.”
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