The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dr Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s Edo Central Senatorial District by-election.
Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, the Returning Officer, made the declaration in the early hours of Sunday at the collation centre in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Ikpea secured a landslide victory with 105,129 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 15,146 votes.
Omo-Iwoze said: “This is the declaration. I, Prof. Omo-Iwoze, hereby certify 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.”
The by-election was conducted to fill the vacant seat following the election of Monday Okpebholo, former senator representing Edo Central, as Executive Governor of Edo State.
In his acceptance speech, Ikpea dedicated his victory to God and the people of the senatorial district, stating that they had “chosen vision over sentiment, progress over politics-as-usual.”
His words: “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.”
Ikpea hailed Governor Okpebholo as “a leader of exceptional qualities—strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people,” adding that the governor’s support had been a stabilising force throughout the campaign.
He promised to focus on legislation and constituency development in the areas of infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and support for traditional institutions.