By Esther Igomu
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday screened aspirants seeking to contest in the upcoming by-elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 16, 2025, for the elections, which will fill the vacant seats in the National Assembly.
The Senate seat became vacant after Monday Okpebholo, the former senator, won the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. Similarly, the Ovia Federal Constituency seat was vacated by Dennis Idahosa, who is the current deputy governor of Edo State.
A five-member screening committee, sent by the PDP’s National Working Committee, was present to vet the aspirants. The committee is chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Arc Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary. Other members are Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
Aspirants for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, Joseph Okojie, and Festus Edogun. Johnny Aikpitanyi was the only one screened for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Welcoming the committee and aspirants to the party secretariat in Benin City, the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed confidence in the screening process.
He assured members that the exercise would be fair and credible, adding that the PDP remains strong and united heading into the by-elections.
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Aziegbemi also addressed confusion surrounding the leadership of the party in the state. He urged members and supporters to ignore those he described as impersonators claiming to represent the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo.
According to him, “Only the national body of the PDP has the authority to organise primaries and congresses. The team here today came directly from Abuja, and they are working with us at our party’s official secretariat in Benin City.”
He continued, “Even an aspirant who purchased his form in Abuja is here with us, which confirms that this is the legitimate secretariat located at No. 20, Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City.”
Speaking after his screening, Festus Edogun praised the committee for conducting a transparent and thorough process. He said he was hopeful of getting the party’s ticket and winning at the polls.
“I have the support of my people, and I believe they will stand by me. I am ready to serve and represent their interest in the Senate,” he said.
John Yakubu also commended the screening process, describing it as fair and peaceful. He expressed confidence that the PDP would retain its hold on Edo Central, which he called the party’s traditional base.
Joseph Okojie echoed similar sentiments, describing the committee’s work as professional and encouraging. He said the party stands a strong chance of winning the by-election.
Meanwhile, Johnny Aikpitanyi, the sole aspirant for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, said the exercise was smooth and straightforward. He expressed confidence in his chances of winning the seat for the PDP.
