A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo South Senatorial District primary election following the conclusion of voting in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The Returning Officer for Ovia South West, Hon. Joseph Salami, announced Ogbeide-Ihama’s victory on Monday at the Iguobazuwa Town Hall Collation Centre, stating that the result was based on the highest number of valid votes cast.
Salami said the exercise, which covered the ten wards in the local government area, was conducted peacefully without any incident of rancour or disruption.
He disclosed that Ogbeide-Ihama polled a total of 4,263 votes to defeat Senator Neda Imasuen, who scored 2,131 votes, while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu came third with 1,065 votes.
According to him, the collation process was transparent and reflected the will of party members in the area.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who observed the exercise, commended APC members in Ovia South West for their large turnout and orderly conduct during the primary election.
Idahosa said the process was credible and transparent, noting that Ogbeide-Ihama had clearly emerged winner in the local government area.
“Everything was transparent and credible; and a winner has emerged in the person of Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama,” he said.
He added that although collation of results from other local government areas was ongoing, the party would commence reconciliation efforts immediately after the primaries to strengthen unity ahead of the general election.
“We are one family. Immediately after this exercise, we will embark on a reconciliation move. For us, it is a win-win for all members of the APC family. There is no loser; it is a victory for all,” he stated.
The primary election recorded a large turnout of voters, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, nursing mothers, and youths, who participated in choosing the party’s senatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections..
