The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, screened aspirants for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections.
Newsmata.com.ng recalls that two legislative seats became vacant at the National Assembly following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo now incumbent governor, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa from the Senate and House of Representatives respectively to contest the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.
To fill the vacancies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced August 16, 2025, as the date for the long anticipated by-elections.
Members of the Screening Committee appointed by the National Working Committee of the PDP include Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce as Chairman and Arc Chinomso Odoemelan as Secretary. Other members are Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise and David Omare.
Aspirants for the Edo Central Senatorial District by-election include John Yakubu, a former chairman of Esan North-East local government council, Friday Itulah, one-time member of the House of Representatives and former speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Joseph Okojie, and Festus Edogun.
Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi is the only aspirant screened for the Ovia Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat.
Welcoming the aspirants and screening committee members to the party’s secretariat at 20, Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi said he was confident that the process would be fair and credible and the party would emerge victorious in the scheduled polls.
Aziegbemi urged PDP members and Edo people to disregard the gimmicks and theatrics of those he described as “jesters who are posing as PDP Caretaker Committee members in Edo State”, noting, “The national headquarters of the PDP is the body statutorily mandated to conduct congresses and primaries for selecting candidates for the party.
“The PDP national has sent a five-man team from Abuja to conduct the screening of aspirants for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections.
“We just had a meeting with them at the conference room of our party secretariat and we believe that this goes to show to our party members and indeed Edo people that we are the duly recognised Caretaker Committee handling the affairs of the PDP in Edo State. Even the man that bought his form in Abuja is here with us for the screening.”
Continuing, Aziegbemi said, “That will tell you that this secretariat situated at No. 20, Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City, is the authentic and only secretariat of the PDP in Edo State. It is why you are seeing the team sent by the PDP national in Abuja here and not anywhere else. This puts to rest the doubts anybody would have about the authentic Caretaker Committee in Edo State.”
Speaking after his screening, Festus Edogun, who was pleased with the transparent and credible screening process, said he was confident of clinching the party’s ticket and emerging victorious at the poll.
According to him, “I know my people and my people know me. I am a rallying point for my Edo Central people and I am confident that I will get the party’s ticket and come out victorious in the poll because I have the love and support of my people.”
John Yakubu also commended the Screening Committee for conducting a fair and transparent process.
The former governorship candidate noted that Edo Central remained a traditional stronghold of the PDP, adding that the forthcoming by-election would present a valuable opportunity for the party to reclaim the senatorial district.
On his part, Joe Okojie who expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the polls, said the committee was very professional and diligent in discharging their duties.
Friday Itulah said Edo Central remained a PDP stronghold and with him on the ballot, the party was sure of reclaiming the senatorial district.
He noted that the hunger, insecurity and poverty caused by the misrule of the incumbent APC government had made it even easier for the party to win the forthcoming by-election.
Johnny Aikpitanyi who is the sole aspirant for Ovia Federal Constituency stated that the process was seamless, adding that he was confident to win the polls.
According to him, “With the support of my people, I am confident to win. Together, we will make Ovia shine again, and shine even brighter. We will focus on grassroots development and Ovia the envy of all.”