The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has taken a jab at the opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, following their poor outing in Saturday’s by-elections across the country.
Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, on Monday, mocked the outing of the coalition after the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the clear winner.
According to the official results, the APC won 12 of the 16 constituencies contested in the by-elections across 12 states. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won one seat each.
“How is the market now?” Onanuga posted, in a thinly-veiled jab at the coalition which had styled itself as a formidable political force ahead of the polls.
The post was accompanied by two photographs, one of which had only Atiku on it and the other had other members of the coalition.
The outcome dealt a setback to the bloc of opposition leaders who had publicly announced their resolve to work together against the ruling party ahead of future elections.
Residents of Siluko Ward including riverside community of Gbelebu have begun last minute move to mobilise voters to go out to vote due to low turnout and voters aparthy in some of the polling units in Ovia South West local government area.
The exercise was peaceful but handful of voters were seen at polling units in Ward 4.
At Polling Unit 17, Gbelebu Secondary School, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party agents supervisor, Charles Geregha, expressed confidence that more voters would turnout before voting ends.
According to him: “So far, the election has been peaceful. There is no problem. Though the turnout is low now, we are already mobilising our people to come out and vote.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Tim Elvis, said many voters shunned the exercise to go for the early morning fishing.
He expressed optimism that the situation would improve as the voting exercise progressed.
“The machine here is working well and there is no molestation of any sort. People are coming out little by little because majority of the people have gone out for the early morning fishing. Before noon, many people will come out.” He assured.
But a community leader, Chief Igana Jonathan, attributed the low turnout and voters apathy to alleged insensitivity to peoples’ need.
According to him: “There is no dividend of democracy here. To grade our roads is zero. Government has abandoned us and that is why the people don’t see any reason to come out and vote.”
Presiding officer of the unit, Ayomide Olaleye, confirmed that the Biomodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), was slow due to poor network.
“Everything is going on here but the network fluctuates and that slows us down a bit. However, nobody has ever voted without being accredited,” he reiterated.
At unit 12, the PDP agent, David Alfred Power, said party leaders were talking to the people to come out and exercise their franchise.
The APC agent in the unit, Seifiogwe Egbekun, lamented that the turnout was the worst headache had ever witnessed.
“Turnout is far below expectation as of now. But the election is still early and we still expect more people to come out before afternoon,” Egbekun assured.
The Anambra South Senatorial bye-election to replace late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has been marred by violence with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrested.
Four polling agents of the APC candidate, Sir Azuka Okwuosa, have been taken away by the local government chairman of Ekwusigo local government area with the support of a community leader in Ozubulu
The development forced youths in the area to stage protest, alleging harassment and intimidation by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government
Immediate past Anambra Speaker Hon Rita Maduagwu told The Nation that APGA invaded her Ukpor Ward 3,009 to unleash mayhem on the voters
The situation has heightened tension in Nnewi and Ekwusigo local government areas
Other areas where violence erupted included Ward 4, Units 001 and 003, Ward 4_ Unit 8 in Ekwusigo, where the APC Agents were arrested and whisked away by the government agents
The presence of heavy security was observed on Saturday across major roads and strategic locations within the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election.
The security agencies observed comprise the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election is due to the death of Hon. Olajide Akinremi, a member of the House of Assembly, which occurred on July 10, 2024.
NAN reports that law enforcement officers had been in areas such as Adamasingba, Agodi-Gate axis, University of Ibadan junction, and Mokola, among others, as early as 7.00 a.m.
Other areas duly manned by security agents include Mokola, Sango–UI Road, Housing Corporation, Bodija, as well as the Secretariat, and Bodija Market–UI Road.
The security agents allowed movement for only those with businesses related to the election, while others were turned back.
Voters were also seen moving in an orderly manner to their respective polling units under the watchful eyes of security agents.
To ensure hitch-free by-elections tomorrow, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distributed sensitive materials in 12 states to the involved senatorial districts and federal and state constituencies.
The polls are holding in two senatorial districts -Edo Central and Anambra South – five federal constituencies and nine state constituencies.
The seats became vacant as a result of deaths , loss of seats after litigation and resignation.
The Edo Central seat became vacant, following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo who was elected governor.
A by-election would also hold in Ovia North/Ovia South Federal Constituency due to the elections of Denis Idahosa as Edo State Deputy Governor.
In Anambra South Senatorial district, voters would elect a replacement for Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed on last year.
The political parties and candidates ended their campaigns yesterday as stipulated by the Electoral Act
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had been configured for the elections.
He also explained that 17 political parties have nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats.
Also, to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, no fewer that 20,850 personnel have been deployed across the affected districts and constituencies by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
INEC committed to credible polls, says Olumekun
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to free, fair and credible exercise, Olumekun said the polls would be conducted in accordance with the law.
The statement reads: “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 14th August 2025. Among other matters, the meeting discussed the final preparations for bye-elections, the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the publication of the personal particulars of candidates for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“On Saturday 16th August 2025, bye-elections will be held in 16 constituencies across 12 States of the Federation, involving two Senatorial Districts in Anambra and Edo States; five Federal Constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States; and nine State Constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States.
“As Nigerians are aware, these by-elections were caused by the resignation or death of serving members of national and State Houses of Assembly. Similarly, the court-ordered re-run election in Onitsha South 1 State Constituency of Anambra State and the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State will be held simultaneously with the bye-elections.
“All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the States. Election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for the election.
“The recruitment and training of ad hoc staff as well as security and logistics arrangements have been concluded. The final consignment of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight today, Thursday 14th August 2025.
“With less than 48 hours to the opening of polls, the Commission reiterates its appeal to all those involved in the by-elections as political parties, candidates, voters, party agents, observers and the media to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines. Doing so will ensure seamless processes.”
•Mammoth crowd during the campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Saturday’s Bagwai/Shanono and Gari-Tsanyawa State Constituencies election, led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, in Kano yesterday
On the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Olumekun said:”The CVR will resume on Monday 18th August 2025 nationwide with the online pre-registration of voters.
“The physical or in-person registration will follow a week later at the 811 INEC State and Local Government offices across the country on Monday 25th August 2025.”
He added: “The list and locations of the centres, including dedicated telephone numbers for citizens in need of assistance can be obtained from our website and other online platforms. The active CVR Locator will also go live on Sunday 17th August 2025.
“During the CVR, citizens will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration within a State or to other States of the Federation. Similarly, damaged or lost PVCs will be replaced as provided by law.
“It needs to be re-emphasied that the CVR is only open to Nigerian citizens who are 18 years or older and who have not registered before as double or multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law.”
Olumekun said 17 political parties would participate in the area council elections in the FCT scheduled for February, 2026.
He said “Following the conclusion of party primaries for the Area Council election in the FCT, seventeen (17) Political Parties uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.
“In line with the provision of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will on Monday 18th August 2025 publish the personal particulars of candidates by displaying copies of their Form EC9 along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, in all our offices in the six Area Councils in the FCT.
“The 17 parties participating in the election nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats (6 Chairmen and 62 Councillors) in the FCT.”
He added: “We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 22nd September 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
“The FCT Area Council election is scheduled for Saturday 21st February 2026. We will continue to update Nigerians on all our activities.”
20,850 NSCDC personnelfor electoral duty
NSCDC Commandant-General Prof.Ahmed Audi ordered the deployment of the 20,850 officers and men to ensure hitch-free elections.
He said the Corps’ would protect critical national assets and infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials and monitor the whole process in synergy with the other security agencies.
Audi, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, urged the Corps to be vigilant throughout the elections.
He urged the eligible voters to come out massively and vote for the candidates of their choice as a symbol of their franchise and fundamental rights.
The NSCDC Boss urged the 12 state commandants within to ensure that their personnel conduct themselves with professionalism, respect for fundamental human rights and commitment to a peaceful elections.
Okpebholo: Obaseki never interested in Edo development
At the All Progressives Congress (APC) final rally in Ekpoma, Okpebholo said his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were never interested in developing the state.
He said the Obaseki administration was transactional.
Urging the people of Edo Central to vie for the APC candidate, Okpebholo assured the people that his administration would deliver more developmental project.
He said: “You see, because of what we are doing in Edo State, the people are asking, where were these funds? Let me tell you, Obaseki and the PDP were never interested in developing our state. They were not interested in our people. They were purely transactional people.”
In Ovia Federal Constituency, the deputy governor, Denis Idahosa, expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious.
He said: “All that is needed is for us to fully mobilise and encourage our supporters to come out enmass to exercise their civic responsibilities on Saturday.
“It is very obvious that from our engagement with the people these past days and across various communities in the federal constituency, we are sure of not less than 90 percent of total votes cast.
“Infact, if not for the misdeed of the immediate past administration, Edo is home to the APC. It has always been right from the AC to ACN, and before the APC.”
Yesterday, the five political parties – APC, PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),and Action Alliance ( AA) – signed the peace agreement in Benin City, the state capital.
Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner Professor Anugbum Onuaha, who also signed the peace pact, said all electoral materials have been dispatched.
Chairman of the Peace Committee, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase Of Benin, who was represented by Chief Jackson Igbinovia, urged the stakeholders and voters to conduct themselves peacefully at the polls.
INEC assures credible poll in Kano
Also in Kano State, INEC reiterated its preparedness and commitment to a peaceful poll.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Amb. Abdu Zango, said the State Assembly by-elections would take place in Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari (Kunchi)/Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.
He said non-sensitive materials had been dispatched to the local governments three weeks ago, sorted according to registration areas and polling units, while sensitive materials had arrived for onward distribution.
Zango said: “We are starting the election at 8:30 a.m. prompt, in line with standard directives, and all arrangements have been completed.”
He added that 1,400 ad hoc staff had been trained, deployed, and were already at their respective locations to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The REC explained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had been configured, tested, and charged, noting that only voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to vote.
On security, Zango said the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had assured the commission of adequate personnel and resources to guarantee safety before, during, and after the polls.
He said stop-and-search operations and other security measures had already commenced in the affected areas.
Zango added: “We have zero tolerance for lack of transparency or partisanship. INEC remains neutral. The only political party we recognise is the citizens, and whoever they choose will be declared winner.”
Zango said the Ghari election was a court-ordered rerun in 10 polling units, with 5,200 registered voters, contested by the APC and NNPP.
He said 75,000 registered voters would participate in the Bagwai election, with candidates from 11 political parties.
The REC said political parties and candidates had signed a peace accord to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid violence.
He said polling unit results would be announced at the respective units before being taken to the Registration Area Centres (RAC) for collation and declaration.
He added that the Ghari supplementary poll collation would take place at the NEC headquarters.
Zango urged voters to come out en masse to exercise their franchise without fear, assuring them of safety and the integrity of the process.
SDP disowns alleged alliance with ADC in Kaduna bye-election
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State disowned reports linking the chapter to a coalition with the ADC ahead of tge by-election in Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency.
The state chairman, Adamu Idris, dismissed the claim as false and the handiwork of political impostors bent on misleading the public.
Idris accused Nasiru Maikano — “who is neither a member nor official of the SDP” — of issuing a statement suggesting an alliance between both parties.
Idris said in a statement: “To be clear, Hon. Nasiru Maikano does not represent or serve as the chairman of SDP in Kaduna State. The SDP is not in any coalition with any political party in Kaduna State.”
The chairman, who warned that the falsehoods could damage the party’s electoral prospects, vowed to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
He said the falsehood was a breach of the party’s constitution.
Idris said the SDP candidate is Comrade Johnathan Maikaratu Wushiri, urging voters in Zaria Kewaye and Basawa constituencies to ignore the “false claims of impostors.”
Idris also advised party members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and adhere strictly to INEC guidelines before, during, and after the polls.
Candidates in last-minute scramble for votes as campaign ends
With the official campaign ending today, political parties and their candidates are in last-minute push for voters ahead of Saturday’s by-election in Edo, Oyo, Ondo and Anambra states.
Others are Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Zamafara and Adamawa.
The campaigns are particularly intense in Edo and Anamabra where Senate seats are up grabs.
The districts and constituencies are in Edo, Oyo, Anambra, Niger, Kano, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Kaduna.
Ahead of the poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigerian National Peoples Party (NNPP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified campaigns across the constituencies.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, the rallies organised by the parties would end today.
The Anambra South senatorial district became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Peoples Party (YPP).
A by-election is being conducted in Edo Central District to replace Senator Monday Okpebholo, who resigned after he was elected governor.
The five federal constituencies are Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo).
The state constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North I (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye (Kaduna), and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano).
Others are Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).
APC, PDP, ADC prepare for clash in Edo
Although APC, PDP and ADC are more visible in Edo, other smaller parties – the Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) are also on the ballot.
The candidates for Edo Central District are Prince Joe Okojie (PDP), Joseph Ikpea (APC) and Sergius Ogun (ADC).
The House of Representatives candidates for the Ovia Constituency are Omosede Igbinedion (APC), Dr. Osayuki Asemota (ADC) and Mr. Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi (PDP).
In Edo Central, Okpebholo led the APC campaign for Ikpea while Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa took charge of the campaign in Ovia for Igbinedion, a lawyer.
The former PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, led the party’s campaign.
The chances of the APC is high. It controls the federal, state and local governments.
Okpebholo, Ighodalo and former Governor Oserheimen Osunbo hail from Edo Central and have been busy campaigning for their candidates.
But many PDP chieftains, including former Commissioner for Finance, John Inegbedion, have joined forces with Okpebholo.
The PDP candidate, Okojie, hails from the royal family in Uromi, which has the highest voting population in the district.
In Ovia Federal Constituency, the coast may be clear for Igbinedion due to support of the deputy governor.
The ADC candidate in Edo Central, Sergius Ogun, is a two-term House of Representatives member.
According to INEC, there are 719,504 registered voters in the seven local governments where the by-election will be held.
There is tension in Anambra South following accusations and counter-accusations by the APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The candidates are Sir Azuka Okwuosa (APC), Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA), Chief Chuma Nzeribe (LP) and Chief Chris Uba (PDP).
The Coordinator of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s ‘Ikemba’ Front, Sir Arinzechukwi Awogu, described Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the APGA faithful as ‘shameless,’ saying that they ridicule President Tinubu in Igbo in Anambra while they go to Abuja to praise him in English.
But the President of APGA Media Warriors, Chiedu Obigwe, described the state APC chieftains as people without brains, adding that APGA and President Tinubu have an inseparable bond.
He said APC has no capacity to offer what APGA will offer the President in 2027.
The governorship candidate of APC, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, said the party would win the elections in Onitsha North 1 and Anambra South District.
INEC deploy 2,062 officials in Ibadan North
No fewer than 2,062 polling officials have been deployed by INEC for the exercise in Ibadan North Constituency.
The seat became vacant following the demise of Olaide Aderemi.
The Commission also facilitated the signing oofa Peace Accord by the candidates at its Collaboration Centre in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.
Signatories to the accord were candidates Akin-Alamu Dexter Femi (ADC), Olatunji Haastrup Adewale (APC), Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi (APGA), Oyekunle Fola (PDP), and Hammed Badmus (Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella, said hat 272,196 voters are expected at 512 polling units.
He said 217,980 have so far collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Tella said the Commission has configured 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, with additional back-ups of 48, for the poll.
He said the election would be conducted in 12 Registration Areas/Wards: Sango/Eleyele/Apete/Ijokodo, Beere/Oje/Odoye, Mokola Axis/Adamasingba Axis, UI/Agbowo/Agbowo Express and Gate/Basorun/Ashi.
The REC added: “There will also be restriction on movement in 12 Registration Areas/ Wards in Ibadan North Federal Constituency which are: Ward I (Islamic Mission Primary School, Odoye) Ward II (St Stephen Primary School, Inalende), Ward III (Salvation Army Primary School Yemetu), Ward IV (Methodist Primary School, NTA), Ward V (Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba), Ward VI (St Gabriel Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VII (St Louis Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VIll (Chesire High School, Ijokodo), Ward IX (C&S New Eden Primary School, Mokola), Ward X (Immanuel College Primary School, Samonda) and Ward XII, which is (Methodist Primary School).
In Taraba, it is Kanda versus Shittu
For the Karim Lamido Constituency, Taraba Stste, the contest is between Ali Kanda (PDP) and Abner Shittu (APC). Both of them are greenhorns.
The constituency has been assailed by insecurity in the last three months. Thousands of lives have been lost and properties destroyed by armed militias.
Ahead of the by-election, APC set up a 55-man campaign council.
It is headed by Senator Abdulazeez Yari, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as vice chairman.
But the PDP, which controls the state, said it is not perturbed.
Abiodun warns against violence
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun warned against violence during the bye-election in Remo Constituency.
He spoke at a rally in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government, where he campaigned for the APC candidate, Adesola Elegbeji.
The seat became vacant following the demise of Adewunmi Oriyomi.
Abiodun said: “Elegbeji will represent you well in the House of Representatives. She is highly intellectual, cool-headed, and knowledgeable.”
Munya constituency, Niger
The contest is among Gaje Dogari (APC), Joshua Bawa (ADC) and Sunday Sabo Adabyinlo (PDP).
APC Publicity Secretary Honorable Labaran said the party would win because the Hugo administration has not disappointed the state.
The ADC Chairman, Mohammed Yahaya, disagreed, saying that his party would win.
By-election: APC holds edge in Kaduna
The Chikun/Kajuru Constituency seat became vacant following the death of the LP member, Ekene Abubakar Adams, in July last year.
However, LP will not feature in the contest because it is not listed by the electoral commission.
Parties in the race are APC, PDP, ADC, and the NNPP.
The absence of LP may tilt the scale in favour of the ruling APC.
The APC candidate, Joseph Bagudu, hails from Kajuru Local Government Area, which had agitated for zoning, stressing that Chikun has produced past representatives since 1999.
The NNPP candidate, Haruna Adamu, is the brother of the late lawmaker.
ADC’s flagbearer, Adamu Alexander, was the late Ekene’s Director of Finance; while PDP’s candidate, Dawaki Ashivelli, is a woman.
Also, the Basawa Constituency bye-election may be a two-horse race between the APC and PDP.
However, APC’s chances are buoyed by the influence of House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who hails from Zaria.
Barau woos voters in Kano
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, led APC stakeholders to Shanono to woo voters ahead of the Shanono and Bagwai State Constituency bye-election.
The by-election would be held to fill the vacancy created by the demise of Halilu Kundila, a member of the APC.
Barau appealed to the people to vote for Ahmed Kademu, the APC candidate, in appreciation for Tinubu Administration’s reforms.
House of Representatives member Kabiru Abubakar from Bichi Constituency urged the people to support the APC candidate for a brighter future.
He highlighted the party’s commitment to developing the constituency, including a pledge to construct N10 billion worth of rural roads.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has intensified its campaign activities in the Ovia Federal Constituency ahead of next week’s by-election.
With elections set to hold in seven local government areas of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, the APC campaign train stormed Uhen and Isiuwa communities to rally support for its candidate, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion.
Addressing enthusiastic supporters, Igbinedion urged the electorate to vote APC, stating that only a representative from the ruling party could attract meaningful projects and development to the area.
She reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive representation, grassroots empowerment, and sustainable development if elected.
According to her, “If you send somebody who is not an APC person to Abuja, that person will not be able to bring anything back to you.
“I was picked because of my ranking. The more you stay in the House, the bigger project you can attract to your people.”
On his part, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, said he would resign from politics if candidates of other political parties win their polling units.
He described Omosede as a true daughter of the constituency and called on supporters to mobilise voters for her victory.
“We’re not here to joke. This is her home, and she deserves full support. We’re united now to make Ovia better,” he said.
The major political parties have elected their candidates for the by-election in Edo, Oyo, and Zamfara states on August 16.
In Edo State, the Labour Party (LP) elected Paul Okojie as its candidate to fill the vacant Edo Central Senatorial District seat in the National Assembly.
Okojie was affirmed as the party’s candidate in a voice vote by the party’s delegates.
Also in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Joe Okojie, as its candidate for the by-election.
A statement yesterday in Benin, the state capital, by the party’s Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, announced Okojie’s election.
The PDP has picked Mr. Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyin as its candidate for Ovia Federal Constituency, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) elected Omosede Igbinedion as its candidate for the constituency.
In Zamfara State, the APC elected Kamilu Sa’idu as its candidate for Kaura Namoda South State Assembly Constituency.
A statement yesterday in Gusau, the state capital, by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, said Sa’idu was unanimously elected as other contestants stepped down for him. “The aspirants were Bashir Muhammad, Anas S-Fada and Ashiru Hamisu.
“The candidate was affirmed by all the 30 party delegates from the six wards of Kaura Namoda South Constituency.
“The wards were: Kagara, Dan-Isa, Sakajiki, Kurya, Kyambarawa and Banga affirmed Sa’idu’s election,” Idris added.
In Oyo State, aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North have rejected the conduct of the party’s primaries.
They claimed that the primary was conducted at a venue without a prior official congress.
In a communique addressed to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and signed by six of the 10 aspirants yesterday in Ibadan, the aspirants said the primary was inconclusive.
The communique was signed by Olaleye Segun (Ward 11), Lapade Idris (Ward 5), Farouk Arisekola (Ward 5), Adekunle Oladeji (Ward 10), Saheed Aderounmu (Ward 8), and khalil Mustapha (Ward 5). It was copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Executives, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), and the Delegates Congress Committee.
Also copied were the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, Oyo APC Executives, State Working Committee, INEC, party members and all stakeholders in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The daughter of Chief Esama Igbinedion, Omosede Igbinedion, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the August 16 by-election.
Also, Hon Joe Ikpea was picked as the consensus candidate for the Senate seat in Edo Central.
Omosede’s consensus candidacy was adopted after a meeting presided over by Edo Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.
Idahosa, a former member of the House of Representatives, said Omosede’s adoption was a product of extensive consultation and unity of purpose among APC family members in Ovia.
He said the party was determined to win the seat in the by-election.
“This is not just about filling a vacant seat. It is about giving the good people of Ovia quality, experienced, and people-oriented representation.
“After wide consultations with stakeholders across the constituency and the state leadership of our great party, we have agreed to present Hon. Omosede Igbinedion as our consensus candidate for the bye-election.”
He said Omosede’s track record in the legislature and her connection with the grassroots made her the best choice to be the party’s candidate.
Igbinedion was elected to the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019 and defected to the APC in 2023.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has opted to use the consensus method to pick its candidates ahead of the August 16 by-election to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Elections would be conducted in the Ovia Federal constituency in the House
In its bid to pick the candidates, the party asked party leaders in the two localities to pick their choice of candidate.
At an enlarged stakeholders meeting of the State Working Committee, the Edo APC adopted Hon Joseph Ikpea as its sole candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Barr. Omosede Igbinedion was adopted as the consensus candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.
Edo APC spokesman, Prince Peter Uwadiae, said the adoption was in line with the party’s commitment to inclusiveness and respect for grassroots leadership.
Attempts to speak to other applicants were unsuccessful.
One of them, who pleaded anonymity, said they were still monitoring the situation.
He said they would still purchase the nomination form.
State Secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah, said the party would not bar anybody from contesting at the primary.
