BENIN CITY – On Sunday, August 10, 2025, with five days until the Edo State Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections on August 16, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Prince Joe Okojie, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to maintain professionalism during the polls, as reported by Tribune Online. Speaking to journalists after meeting traditional rulers in Igueben, Okojie expressed confidence in winning all five local government areas in Edo Central, citing the PDP’s strong grassroots support, as it won three of five LGAs in the 2024 governorship election (The Sun). He emphasized pressing for federal road repairs, noting the deplorable state of infrastructure like the Benin-Auchi and Ekpoma-Uromi roads, which hinder mobility, and pledged to establish skills acquisition centers to empower youth.
PDP State Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi criticized INEC and security agencies for alleged bias in the 2024 governorship election, where 101,617 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remained uncollected in seven LGAs, per INEC’s Prof. Anugbum Onuoha (The Sun). Aziegbemi demanded impartiality, referencing the PDP’s call for the redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioner Anugbum Onuoha due to his role in the disputed election (BusinessDay). The PDP’s preparation includes mobilizing 617,887 registered voters, with Okojie facing APC’s Hon. Joe Ikpea in a tight race (Leadership). X posts from @PDPNigeria (August 8, 2025) echoed Aziegbemi’s demand for fairness, while @EdoVanguard expressed optimism for a PDP victory, though @APCWatchNG countered that APC’s control of state structures ensures dominance. The by-elections, to fill seats vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Dennis Idahosa, are a litmus test for 2027, per Punch.
Leave a Reply