By Jethro Ibileke
The All Progressives Congress (APC) held its House of Representatives primary elections in the 18 local government areas of Edo State on Saturday, with party leaders characterizing the process as calm and well-organized.
Findings from various federal districts had started to become available when this report was submitted, even though the process of compiling results was still underway in certain regions.
In the Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Oladele Bankole-Balogun obtained the party’s nomination following a count of 3,368 votes. He outperformed Paul Afeghase, who received 1,663 votes, and Adetutu Owolabi, who got 793 votes.
Commenting on the conduct of the event, Mr. Monday Oseh, chairman of the APC in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, stated that the process proceeded without issues and represented the desires of party members.
The election officer for the constituency, Kassim Otono, officially announced Bankole-Balogun as the victor of the race.
In the Etsako Federal Constituency, Anamero Dakeri is said to have won after beating four other candidates to secure the APC nomination.
In the Ovia Federal Constituency, current representative Omosede Igbinedion obtained the party’s endorsement, gaining another opportunity to run for the position.
Nevertheless, the primaries led to challenges for certain incumbent legislators.
In the Owan Federal Constituency, Professor Julius Ihonvbere was unsuccessful in his attempt to secure another term, as he was defeated by Andrew Ijegbai, who previously served as the Commissioner for Mining. Ijegbai was announced as the victor following a tally of 3,695 votes.
A comparable result was noted in Oredo Federal Constituency, where the current representative, Eseosa Iyawe, lost to the former Education Commissioner, Dr Paddy Iyamu. Iyamu won with 7,088 votes.
In response to the exercise, Jarret Tenebe, chairman of the Edo APC, praised party members for their involvement and characterized the primaries as open and reliable.
He stated that the party had previously instructed all registered members to participate in the voting.
“The exercise has remained free and fair up to this point. It reflects the readiness of the APC prior to the 2027 elections,” he stated.
Tenebe mentioned that the party is committed to presenting capable contenders for upcoming elections and showed belief in the APC’s prospects for 2027.
“We are presenting our top candidates for the House of Representatives and will maintain this strategy in future primaries,” he said.
He further emphasized the party’s dedication to providing significant voting backing for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming national election.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
