Edo PDP Clears Aspirants For Senate, Reps Bye-Elections

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has screened and cleared aspirants for its upcoming July 21 primary elections ahead of the National Assembly by-elections in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, the party confirmed the successful completion of the screening process conducted at the PDP State Secretariat, No. 20 Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City.

According to the statement, three aspirants have been cleared to contest for the party’s Edo Central Senatorial District ticket. They are John Yakubu, Friday Itula and Joe Okojie.

The screening exercise was conducted under the supervision of a five-member panel constituted by the PDP National Working Committee and chaired by Professor Okumoko Tubo Pearce.

The secretary of the committee was Mr. Chinomso Odoemelan, while other members included Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.

For the House of Representatives seat in Ovia Federal Constituency, the party screened and cleared a single aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, who now stands as PDP’s sole candidate for the bye-election.

Certificates of clearance were officially presented to all qualified aspirants at the party’s secretariat during a brief ceremony on Friday.

Speaking after receiving his certificate, Aikpitanyi commended the screening panel for its “professionalism, fairness, and diligence,” and pledged to deliver strong, people-centered representation if elected.

“I sincerely thank members of the screening committee for their professionalism, fairness, and diligence. With this clearance, we are prepared for the journey ahead in Ovia,” he said.

Aikpitanyi expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances, citing strong grassroots support and a commitment to community development.

He said, “I am ready to fly the PDP flag. With strong grassroots support, we will win and deliver quality, purposeful representation to the good people of Ovia.

“I am confident of victory. With community support, Ovia will shine again through focused grassroots development and become the envy of all.”