By Ogochukwu Isioma
The political landscape in Ovia (North East and South West) Federal Constituency of Edo State took a decisive turn on Monday as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously adopted Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as the party’s consensus candidate for the forthcoming House of Representatives bye-election.
The announcement was made on Monday morning by the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa — himself a former occupant of the House of Representatives seat — during a well-attended meeting of party leaders and supporters in Benin City, the state capital.
Idahosa described Omosede’s adoption as “a product of extensive consultation and unity of purpose among APC family members in Ovia,” stressing that the party was determined to retain the seat in the bye-election slated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This is not just about filling a vacant seat. It is about giving the good people of Ovia quality, experienced, and people-oriented representation,” Idahosa said. “After wide consultations with stakeholders across the constituency and the state leadership of our great party, we have agreed to present Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as our consensus candidate for the bye-election.”
He noted that Omosede’s experience in the legislature, her connection with the grassroots, and her track record of service made her the best choice to fly the APC flag.
The Ovia Federal Constituency seat became vacant earlier this year following Idahosa’s resignation from the House of Representatives to accept his nomination as Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in the September 2024 Edo Governorship election. His elevation left the Ovia seat open, prompting INEC to schedule a bye-election to fill the vacancy.
INEC had in June formally announced that the bye-election would be conducted on Saturday, August 17, 2025, alongside several others across the country, in line with constitutional provisions. The Commission cited Section 76(2) and Section 25(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandate it to fill vacant seats within a stipulated timeframe.
In her remarks, Omosede Igbinedion expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her.
“This is a call to service, and I assure you all that I will not take this trust for granted,” she said. “Ovia deserves strong, responsive, and effective representation, and I am fully committed to building on the gains of my predecessors, especially my brother and friend, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.”
Igbinedion, a lawyer and philanthropist, previously represented the constituency in the 8th Assembly between 2015 and 2019 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She joined the APC in 2023, citing alignment with the party’s progressive agenda and renewed determination to contribute more effectively to her constituency’s development.
Monday’s adoption was attended by top APC stalwarts, including state and local government party executives, youth and women leaders, and traditional rulers who commended the party’s decision to embrace consensus as a strategy to avoid rancor and strengthen party unity ahead of the polls.
Political analysts say the bye-election will serve as another litmus test for the APC’s popularity in Edo State following its impressive showing in the 2024 governorship election that brought Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Idahosa to power.
With Omosede Igbinedion’s adoption, all eyes are now on the opposition political parties to unveil their candidates and strategies as the bye-election campaigns formally kick off in the coming weeks.
INEC has assured the electorate of a free, fair, and credible process, urging all political actors to abide by the rules of engagement.
As the race for Ovia Federal Constituency heats up, the coming weeks are expected to witness intense political activities and debates as voters prepare to decide who will speak for them at the Green Chamber.
