Anthony Osarobo has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, chairmanship primary election in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, polling 3,020 votes.
The result was declared on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Iguobazuwa Town Hall collation centre by the three-member APC Chairmanship and Councillorship Election Committee chaired by Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo, Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs.
Amanyaevbo said the result would be forwarded to the APC State Working Committee for ratification and further necessary action.
Speaking with journalists after the declaration of Osarobo as the party’s flagbearer, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, described the exercise as a victory for the party and the people of Ovia South West.
He called for unity and massive support for the APC ahead of the forthcoming local government election.
Idahosa commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as his fatherly role and leadership in providing direction for the party. He also praised party leaders and delegates for the peaceful conduct of the direct primaries.
“The exercise was very peaceful and seamless, and a winner has emerged. It is time for everyone to come together and work in the interest of Ovia South West,” he said.
He added that with Osarobo Anthony’s emergence as APC flagbearer, he stands as the youngest incoming council chairman to emerge on the platform of the party in the area.
According to him, the task ahead is no longer for APC alone, but a collective project for all stakeholders in Ovia South West.
He described Osarobo as “a very resourceful person who is committed, reliable and loyal,” expressing confidence that he would align with the vision of Governor Okpebholo for the development of the area.
In his acceptance remarks, the APC chairmanship candidate, Osarobo Osaro Anthony, thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo and party leaders for finding him worthy of the ticket.
He pledged that if elected council chairman, he would reflect the SHINE agenda of the governor in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities.
Earlier, at Iguobazuwa West Ward 2, where screening and accreditation of delegates commenced at the Iguobazuwa Town Hall field, direct voting gained momentum at about 11:50 a.m.
At the ward, Osariemen Iriagbonse was affirmed as the APC councillorship candidate after polling 795 votes, while the chairmanship candidate, Anthony Osarobo, secured 934 votes.
Speaking after his emergence, Iriagbonse thanked party leaders and pledged to focus on addressing the suffering and challenges facing constituents if elected.
Outgoing Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Council, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor, described the exercise as a smooth transition process.
He said the turnout and support from delegates showed that the people of Iguobazuwa West Ward 2 were satisfied with the process.
“What we are witnessing is a pointer that the people of Iguobazuwa, especially those of West Ward 2, are pleased with the process. People came out en masse to support the aspirant who is now the councillorship candidate of the party,” he said.
Edobor expressed optimism that Osarobo’s performance in the ward would be replicated across the 10 wards of the local government area, leading to his eventual victory.
He urged politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, stressing that the party remained supreme.
As he prepares to leave office, Edobor said his legacy projects across the 10 wards remain visible, while calling on Osarobo to initiate more development projects that would position Ovia South West among the leading local governments in the state.
Also speaking, APC Local Government Woman Leader, Mrs. Adesuwa Ajari, thanked Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Idahosa for providing a level playing ground for the conduct of the primary.
“The people voted for their choice and their mandate. We promised that Iguobazuwa West Ward 2 would make His Excellency proud,” she said.
Returning Officer for Iguobazuwa West Ward 2 and Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ikponmwonsa Omorodion, said both the chairmanship and councillorship primaries were conducted peacefully.
He noted that the party fielded a consensus chairmanship candidate who was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates.
According to him, with the successful affirmation of both chairmanship and councillorship candidates, the APC is now fully mobilised for the forthcoming local government council election.
Omorodion commended the governor and his deputy for the leadership that ensured a peaceful primary.
Also, spokesperson of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, Mr. Albert Eguaoje, who supervised the election at Iguobazuwa West Ward 2, described the exercise as cordial, free and fair.
“What I observed here is that things went well. The people behaved orderly and the aspirant carried the day,” he said.
